Vehicle damage detection system and method of manufacturing the same

ABSTRACT

An impact detection and remediation system includes a sensing device for detecting damage events related to a structure of interest. Such damage events may include impact from a ballistic object, a tamper event, a physical impact, or other events that may affect structural integrity or cause failure. Illustratively, the sensing device is in communication with a measurement system to determine impact criteria, and a processing system which is configured to use the impact criteria to determine a direction of the initiation point of a ballistic causing the damage event.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/186,640, filed Feb. 21, 2014 which is adivisional application of and claims priority to U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/161,965, filed Jun. 16, 2011 which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/435,255, filed Jan. 21, 2011,the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein.The present application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/161,968, filed Jun. 16, 2011, entitled “EVENT DETECTION SYSTEMHAVING MULTIPLE SENSOR SYSTEMS IN COOPERATION WITH AN IMPACT DETECTIONSYSTEM”, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/161,974, filed Jun. 16,2011, entitled “EVENT DETECTION SYSTEM USER INTERFACE SYSTEM COUPLED TOMULTIPLE SENSORS INCLUDING AN IMPACT DETECTION SYSTEM”, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/161,984, filed Jun. 16, 2011, entitled “EVENTDETECTION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A REMOTE SENSOR OR PROJECTILESYSTEM”, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/161,935, filed Jun. 16,2011, entitled “DAMAGE DETECTION AND REMEDIATION SYSTEM AND METHODSTHEREOF”, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated byreference herein.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

The invention described herein was made in the performance of officialduties by employees of the Department of the Navy and may bemanufactured, used and licensed by or for the United States Governmentfor any governmental purpose without payment of any royalties thereon.This invention (Navy Case 200,281) is assigned to the United StatesGovernment and is available for licensing for commercial purposes.Licensing and technical inquiries may be directed to the TechnologyTransfer Office, Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, email:Cran_CTO@navy.mil.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system and apparatus for detectingevents of interest, such as damage events associated with impacts,interactions between structures, or structural integrity events forwhich detection is desired.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Current structures such as armor, microelectronics, or criticalinfrastructure systems lack effective, real-time sensing systems todetect damage events of interest, such as an impact from a ballisticobject, a tamper event, a physical impact such as from debris (such asairborne or space debris), or other damage events which may affectstructural integrity or cause failure.

Detection of armor or surface failures may be currently based on auralindications or manual inspection after an event which could be delayeddue to ongoing use of equipment or operations. When a critical armor orsurface element becomes compromised, lives may be placed at risk.Currently, there is no known way of effectively detecting these failuresimmediately or as the event happens.

Security forces, emergency response, or law enforcement personnel oftenrely on body armor and personal protective equipment. Due to designs ofsuch armor or equipment, users cannot reliably predict where a potentialarmor or equipment failure is occurring, or if the armor or equipmenthas been compromised to the point of potential failure.

Traditionally, medics and emergency response personnel must manuallyinspect a victim for ballistic wounds that have occurred from damageevents, such as bomb blasts or gunfire. They can only perform and makean assessment based on visible injuries, such as a penetration wound.

Space based systems also lack effective detection systems which meetrequirements for space launch, such as liftoff and other constraints.For example, onboard the international space station, astronauts andground controllers do not know that an outer panel has been compromisedunless it has damaged a system or the impact site is leaking gas. Often,manual inspection of the station is required by performing spacewalks orby robotics to find potentially compromised areas.

An effective impact sensing system could be used to avert potentialdisasters of units in the space frontier from contact with space junk,and hypervelocity impacts of meteorites and micrometeoroids. A sensingsystem on the shields or exterior of a spacecraft may determine theshielding materials integrity during liftoff and flight through theearth's atmosphere. For example, if a piece of shielding had beendisplaced, a sensing system may determine where on the craft theshielding has been removed in the event it may be repaired once dockedto the space station. This information may be communicated to theastronauts and the space flight control center to determine the extentof damage and to determine if the craft is a risk to astronaut's livesand/or critical equipment.

In the aircraft industry, active monitoring during all phases of anaircraft's life span will improve the safety margin of criticalcomponents. In the past, aircraft have had fuselage failures becausefatigue cracks went undetected during the flight. If the skin of theaircraft is actively monitored, a pilot could be warned about developingproblem(s) and mitigation actions could be taken. The information mayalso be fed into the aircraft's data recorder (i.e., “black box”)providing greater detail on the aircraft's condition. This would lead tosafer aircraft and extended aircraft lifespans.

In the commercial vehicle industry, a sensor system on key components ofa vehicle may determine the extent of damage while a damage event, suchas a collision is happening. This information may be used to deployspecific airbags to those areas of the vehicle being adversely affectedor compromised.

In unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), battle field robots, autonomoussystems, or any device requiring a circuit board, active monitoring mayindependently and quickly detect damage and automatically reroutesignals, power, and command and control to other redundant systemswithout having to delay for error detection or other fault sensingtechniques. This method may, for example, allow an autonomous roboticdevice to receive damage such as a bullet hole through a circuit boardand automatically shut down the damaged section and reallocate lostfunctionality to other systems. Sensing systems which are capable ofbeing adapted to design specifications of a microelectronic system maybe utilized to improve the survivability of such microelectronicsystems. For example, a sensing system which is light weight and easilymounted to an item of interest may provide continuous monitoring andenable a capacity for dynamically reconfiguring a circuit board forinternal physical damage that may be caused by events such as physicaltrauma, shock, vibration or heat.

Sensing systems may also be used to identify breached containers holdingsensitive documents, information, or materials. Such sensing systemsshould be easily monitored such that mitigation actions may be taken inreal time before information/material is unrecoverable. Improvements toexisting sensing technology are needed to detect a breach of any type ofcontainer for commercial or military use, and relay that breach to amonitoring system.

According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, asystem is provided to produce real-time information on a variety ofdamage events, including structural, perimeter, and/or armor integrityfailure conditions of a monitored device or unit by means of aresistive/conductive sensor system. One illustrative embodiment of thepresent disclosure provides sensors to areas where impacts may occurfrom a ballistic means or other known or unknown sources. Exemplaryballistic strike detection methods and structures may be used topinpoint a location of an impact site, provide an estimation of theballistic object's relative velocity, and provide an estimation of theballistic object's size.

According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, adetection system includes a first layer adapted to a damage event, thefirst layer adapted to conduct an electromagnetic signal and having aplurality of electromagnetic signal measuring portions oriented in afirst orientation. At least one coupling point is in electricalcommunication with at least one of the signal measuring portions of thefirst layer and is adapted to receive an electromagnetic signal input.An electromagnetic signal generator is coupled to the at least one inputcoupling point to provide the electromagnetic signal input. At least oneoutput coupling point is in electrical communication with at least oneof the signal measuring portions of the first layer and is adapted toprovide an electromagnetic signal output. An electromagnetic signalmeasuring device is coupled to the at least one output coupling point. Aprocessing system is adapted to control the electromagnetic signalgenerator and the electromagnetic signal measuring device, wherein theprocessing system is adapted to determine data on the damage event basedon changes between the electromagnetic signal input at the at least oneinput coupling point and the electromagnetic signal output at the atleast one output coupling point. The damage event may be furtherdetermined from an electromagnetic signal change calculation which isbased on a comparison between a first electromagnetic signal measuringportion and a second electromagnetic signal measuring portion.Illustratively, an output device is adapted to produce damage datacomprising a at least one of a damage alert, damage location, damagesize, damage orientation, time data, and damage event category.

According to a further illustrative embodiment of the presentdisclosure, a detection system includes a sensing device configured tobe operably coupled to a structure of interest and to sense a damageevent. The sensing device includes a first layer, and a plurality ofmeasuring portions supported by the first layer, each of the measuringportions including an input coupling point and an output coupling pointand adapted to conduct an electrical signal from the input couplingpoint to the output coupling point. A measurement system is inelectrical communication with the measuring portions of the sensingdevice, the measurement system configured to provide electrical signalinputs to the input coupling points of the sensing device, andconfigured to measure electrical signal outputs at the output couplingpoints of the sensing device. A damage detection processing system isoperably coupled to the measurement system, the processing systemconfigured to determine data on the damage event based on changesbetween the electrical signal inputs at the input coupling points andthe electrical signal output sat the output coupling points, the dataincluding a location of the damage event on the sensing device and adamage event origination axis directed to the point of origin of thedamage event. A user interface is operably coupled to the damagedetection processing system and is configured to provide a visualdisplay of the damage data including a representation of a damage alert,the damage event location and the damage event origination axis.

According to another illustrative embodiment of the disclosure, a methodof detecting a damage event associated with a structure of interestincludes the steps of coupling a first layer to a structure of interest,the first layer including a plurality of measuring portions oriented ina first direction, providing input electrical signals to input couplingpoints of each of the measuring portions, and measuring outputelectrical signals from output coupling points of each of the measuringportions. The method further includes the step of determining data on adamage event based on changes between the electrical signal inputs ateach of the input coupling points and the electrical signal outputs ateach of the output coupling points.

According to a further illustrative embodiment of the disclosure, avehicle damage detection system includes a plurality of sensing devicessupported by a vehicle and defining a sensing perimeter. Each of thesensing devices includes a layer, and a plurality of measuring portionssupported by the layer, each of the measuring portions including aninput coupling point and an output coupling point and adapted to conductan electrical signal from the input coupling point to the outputcoupling point. A measurement system is in electrical communication withthe measuring portions of each of the sensing devices. The measurementsystem is configured to provide electrical signal inputs to the inputcoupling points of each of the sensing devices, and is configured tomeasure electrical signal outputs at the output coupling points of eachof the sensing devices. A plurality of couplers secure the plurality ofsensing devices to an exterior of the vehicle. A damage detectionprocessing system is operably coupled to the measurement system, and isconfigured to determine data on a damage event from the sensing devicesbased on changes between the electrical signal inputs at the inputcoupling points and the electrical signal outputs at the output couplingpoints, the data including a location of the damage event on the sensingdevice and a damage event origination axis directed to the point oforigin of the damage event.

According to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure,a method of manufacturing a vehicle damage detection system includes thesteps of preparing an outer surface of a vehicle to facilitate couplingthereto, applying a first electrically isolating material to theprepared surface of the vehicle, applying a first electricallyconductive layer on the electrically isolative material, installing aplurality of electrical interconnects on the first electricallyconductive layer, coupling the plurality of electrical interconnects toa measurement system, and applying an overcoat layer to the conductivelayer and electrical interconnects.

According to yet another illustrative embodiment of the presentdisclosure, an event detection system includes an impact sensing deviceincluding a layer, and a plurality of measuring portions supported bythe layer, each of the measuring portions including an input couplingpoint and an output coupling point and adapted to conduct an electricalsignal from the input coupling point to the output coupling point. Ameasurement system is in electrical communication with the measuringportions of the impact sensing device. The measurement system isconfigured to provide electrical signal inputs to the input couplingpoints of the sensing device, and is configured to measure electricalsignal outputs at the output coupling points of the sensing device. Anacoustic detection system includes a plurality of microphones configuredto detect soundwaves generated by an event. The acoustic detectionsystem is configured to process time offsets from the soundwaves at theplurality of microphones for determining the direction of the source ofthe event. A processor is operably coupled to the measurement system andthe acoustic detection system for determining a damage event originationaxis directed to the point of origin of the event. The damage eventorigination axis is determined by the processor based on changes betweenthe electrical signal inputs at the input coupling points and theelectrical signal outputs at the output coupling points of the impactsensing device, and time offsets from the soundwaves at the plurality ofmicrophones of the acoustic detection system. Further illustratively, animaging system including at least one camera configured to detect weaponfire flash events may be operably coupled to the processor.

According to a further illustrative embodiment of the presentdisclosure, a method of detecting a damage event associated with astructure of interest includes the steps of providing a sensing deviceincluding a plurality of measuring portions, providing input electricalsignals to input coupling points of each of the measuring portions,measuring output electrical signals from output coupling points of eachof the measuring portions, and determining data on a damage event basedon changes between the electrical signal inputs at each of the inputcoupling points and the electrical signal outputs at each of the outputcoupling points. The method further includes the steps of detectingsoundwaves generated by the source of the damage event, detecting flashevents from the source of the damage event, determining a damage eventorigination axis based on changes between the electrical signal inputsat the input coupling points and the electrical signal outputs at theoutput coupling points of the impact sensing device, and correlating thedamage event origination axis with time offsets from the soundwaves atthe plurality of microphones of the acoustic detection system, and theflash events from the imaging system.

According to a further illustrative embodiment of the presentdisclosure, an impact detection system includes a sensing deviceconfigured to be operably coupled to a structure of interest and tosense impacts. The sensing device includes a layer, and a plurality ofmeasuring portions supported by the layer, each of the measuringportions including an input coupling point and an output coupling pointand adapted to conduct an electrical signal from the input couplingpoint to the output coupling point. A measurement system is inelectrical communication with the measuring portions of the sensingdevice. The measurement system is configured to provide electricalsignal inputs to the input coupling points of the sensing device, and isconfigured to measure electrical signal outputs at the output couplingpoints of the sensing device. A damage detection processing system isoperably coupled to the measurement system. The processing system isconfigured to determine data on a damage event from the sensed impactbased on changes between the electrical signal inputs at the inputcoupling points and the electrical signal outputs at the output couplingpoints, the data including a location of the damage event on the sensingdevice and an damage event origination axis directed to the point oforigin of the ballistic impact. A user interface is operably coupled tothe damage detection processing system, the user interface including aplurality of visual indicators, the visual indicators including aplurality of light sources arranged in vertically spaced rows, each ofthe vertically spaced rows including a plurality of horizontally spacedlight sources. Further illustratively, a targeting device is operablycoupled to the measurement system. The targeting device may include aslewing mechanism configured to adjust elevation and azimuth of atargeting member for alignment with the origination axis.

According to a further illustrative embodiment of the presentdisclosure, a method of detecting a damage event associated with astructure of interest includes the steps of providing a sensing deviceincluding a plurality of measuring portions, providing input electricalsignals to input coupling points of each of the measuring portions,measuring output electrical signals from output coupling points of eachof the measuring portions, and determining data on a damage event basedon changes between the electrical signal inputs at each of the inputcoupling points and the electrical signal outputs at each of the outputcoupling points. The method further includes the step of adjusting atargeting device in response to the data on the damage event.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the followingdetailed description of the illustrative embodiment exemplifying thebest mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description of the drawings particularly refers to theaccompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an illustrative damage detection andremediation system of the present disclosure, showing variousrepresentative input and output connections thereto;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of an illustrative sensing device coupledto a structure of interest for determining a point of origin of anobject impacting the sensing device;

FIG. 3 is an exemplary exploded view of a multi-axis sensing devicehaving layered structures that, when assembled, form a sensor systemwhich permits impact detection and determination of a path of an impactobject;

FIG. 4A is a diagrammatic side view of an illustrative layered sensingdevice showing a vector of a projectile impacting the sensing device;

FIG. 4B is a diagrammatic top view of the illustrative layered sensingdevice of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary plan view of a single-axis sensing device havinga single layer with multiple sensing structures applied to a basesurface;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are exemplary plan views of alternative embodiments ofsingle-axis sensing devices, each having a single layer with multiplesensing structures for redundant sensing applied to a base surface;

FIG. 6C is an exemplary plan view of an alternative embodimentsingle-axis sensing device with multiple electrical detection loopsoriented at an angle with respect to a designated plane which providesan ability to detect smaller objects more precisely;

FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagrammatic view of an electromagnetic radiatingstructure with a electromagnetic wave propagating through free spacefrom the radiating structure;

FIG. 8 is an exemplary plan view embodiment of an alternative sensingdevice with an array of embedded resistance elements having differentelectrical resistance values across the array contained in one or moreplanes of the sensing device prior to an impact;

FIG. 9 is a plan view similar to FIG. 8, showing the sensing deviceduring or after an impact;

FIG. 10 is an exemplary plan view of an alternative embodiment sensingdevice having with conductive layer and a series of electrical contactson each side of the conductive layer;

FIG. 11 is an exemplary plan view of an alternative embodiment sensingdevice having a conductive layer with a gradient of resistance orelectromagnetic properties across the layer and a series of electricalcontacts on opposing sides of the conductive layer;

FIG. 12 is an exemplary detailed plan view of the sensing device of FIG.11 showing a conductance layer shown before an impact;

FIG. 13 is an exemplary detailed plan view of the sensing device of FIG.11 showing a conductance layer shown during or after an impact;

FIG. 14 is an exemplary side elevational view showing a first method ofmanufacture step for surface preparation needed to ensure a requiredadhesion of subsequent layers associated with installation of anexemplary sensing device such as shown in FIG. 11 installed onto afacing of an equipment item where detection is desired;

FIG. 15 is an exemplary side elevational view showing a second method ofmanufacture step for applying an electrically insulating materialassociated with installation of an exemplary sensing structure such asshown in FIG. 11 installed onto a facing of an equipment item wheredetection is desired;

FIG. 16 is an exemplary side elevational view showing a third method ofmanufacture step for applying an exemplary conductance layer associatedwith a sensing structure such as shown in FIG. 11 installed onto afacing of an equipment item where detection is desired;

FIG. 17 is an exemplary side elevational view showing a fourth method ofmanufacture step for applying electrical interconnects to theconductance layer associated with a sensing structure such as shown inFIG. 11 installed onto a facing of an equipment item where detection isdesired;

FIG. 18 is an exemplary side elevational view showing a fifth method ofmanufacture step for applying a layer which will provide protection andconcealment of the structures previously provided associated with asensing structure such as shown in FIG. 11 installed onto a facing of anequipment item where detection is desired;

FIG. 19 is a detailed block diagram of a portion of the damage detectionand remediation system of FIG. 1, showing an illustrative sensor dataacquisition and processing system coupled to a sensing structure inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 20 is a detailed schematic diagram of a portion of the illustrativesensor data acquisition and processing system of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a block diagram of an exemplary system including a pluralityof sensing devices and processing systems operably coupled to a maincomputer through an electrical bus;

FIG. 22 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of operation inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 23 is a flow chart of a further exemplary method of operation inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 24 is a flow chart of a further exemplary method of operation inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 25 is a flow chart of a further exemplary method of operation inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 26 is a flow chart of a further exemplary method of operation inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 27 is a side elevational view of an illustrative sensing device ofthe present disclosure used in connection with a vehicle and incooperation with acoustical and image systems;

FIG. 28 is a top plan view of the vehicle of FIG. 27, with portions ofthe vehicle protective structure and user interface system removed forclarity;

FIG. 29 is a partial top plan view of the vehicle of FIG. 27, showing anillustrative user interface system;

FIG. 30 is a top perspective view of the illustrative user interfacesystem of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a front perspective view of a heads-up display of the userinterface system of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a front elevational view of the user interface system of FIG.30;

FIG. 33 is a top perspective view of a further illustrative userinterface system;

FIG. 34A is a front perspective view of the user interface system ofFIG. 33, showing light sources illuminated to indicate the origin of animpact object above the current weapon elevation;

FIG. 34B is a front perspective view similar to FIG. 34A, showing lightsources illuminated to indicate the origin of the impact object belowthe current weapon elevation; and

FIG. 34C is a front perspective view similar to FIGS. 34A and 34B,showing light sources illuminated to indicate the origin of the impactobject aligned with the current weapon elevation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments of the disclosure described herein are not intended tobe exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to precise forms disclosed.Rather, the embodiments selected for description have been chosen toenable one skilled in the art to practice the disclosure.

An illustrative system in accordance with the present disclosureprovides real-time information on a variety of damage events, includingstructural, perimeter, and/or armor integrity/failure conditions of amonitored device or unit by means of a electromagnetic (e.g.,electrically resistive/conductive) sensor system. Damage events mayinclude any event or activity that may affect structural integrity orcause failure. More particularly, it should be noted that damage eventsas described herein may be caused by a variety of sources including, butnot limited to, impacts (e.g., ballistics, collisions, etc.), tamper orbreaching activities (e.g., drilling, sawing, cutting, etc.), andstructural/environmental induced damage (e.g., stress, fatigue,corrosion, etc.).

An exemplary embodiment of the disclosure includes sensing devicessupported by areas of a structure of interest where impacts may occurfrom known or unknown sources, including from ballistic means. Anexemplary impact detection and remediation system and method describedherein may be used to pinpoint the location of an impact event, estimatethe ballistic object's relative velocity, and estimate the ballisticobject's size.

With reference initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, a damage detection andremediation system 10 according to an illustrative embodiment of thepresent disclosure includes a sensor data acquisition and processingsystem 12 having a sensing structure or device 14 operably coupled to amonitored unit or structure of interest 16. As further detailed herein,the structure of interest 16 may include personal protective equipment,armor, vehicles, microelectronics, spacecraft, aircraft, or any otherstructure, device or unit where impact or damage detection is desired.The system 12 is configured to determine damage condition information,including the location of a damage or impact event 13 on the structureof interest 16 relative to a coordinate system origin 18 (0,0,0 on anx,y,z coordinate system). The system 10 may also be configured todetermine the initiation or origin point 17 of an impact object orballistic 19 and hence, an axis of origin (origination axis) 21extending from the origin point 17 to the damage event 13. As furtherdetailed herein, the system 10 may also characterize the impact object,for example, by determining the size of the damage event 13 and depth ofpenetration of the damage event 13.

The sensing device 14 is in electrical communication with a measurementsystem 20 which, in turn, is in electrical communication with a damagedetection processing system 30. As further detailed herein, a maincomputer or processor 40 may be operably coupled to the data acquisitionand processing system 12 for processing information from the damagedetection processing system 30. An electrical bus 42 (FIG. 1) mayinterconnect a plurality of different data acquisition and processingsystems 12 to each other and the main computer 40.

A user interface (UI) 50 may be in electrical communication with thedamage detection processing system 30 and/or the main computer 40. Theuser interface 50 may form part of each data acquisition and processingsystem 12 or may be a separate component operably coupled to a pluralityof systems 12. Additional input devices 60, such as image and/oracoustic sensing systems, as further detailed herein, may also provideinput signals to the damage detection processing system 30 and/or maincomputer 40. A transceiver 70 may be operably coupled with the maincomputer 40 and provide wireless communication with externalcommunication systems, such as a global control and command system(GCCS) 72. As further detailed herein, output devices 90 areillustratively in communication with the main computer 40 and mayreceive processed data (e.g., impact event location, ballistics'relative velocity and size, point of origin, etc.) and provide a desiredresponse thereto.

Note that in connection with the following description, some drawingshave dashed lines detailing elements of a structure which are not showndue to a cut-away or detailing a portion of a multi-layered designunderneath a structure, such as in FIGS. 5, 6A, 6B, 6C, 8, 10, and 11.These dashed figure sections indicate the structure that would bepresent had the cut-away not been made in the drawing in question. Thesedashed structures are not present in the layer which has been exposed bythe cut-away depiction in the drawing.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an exemplary sensing structure or device 14 inaccordance with the disclosure is provided having multiple sensor layerassemblies 15 a, 15 b, 15 c, each having a nonconductive substrate orlayer 3, electrically conductive wires or traces 5 applied to thenon-conductive layers 3, electrical contacts 7 adapted to be coupled toa first or output connection of measurement system 20, illustratively anelectrical source 6 (hereinafter first electrical contacts 7), andelectrical contacts 9 adapted to be coupled to a second or inputconnection of measurement system 20, illustratively a ground 8(hereinafter second electrical contacts 9). Moreover, the first andsecond electrical contacts 7 and 9 are configured to electrically couplewith any appropriate measuring device 20 such that the device 20measures electrical characteristics therebetween (e.g., impedance,voltage, resistance, etc.).

Illustratively, the first electrical contacts 7 and the secondelectrical contacts 9 are coupled to opposing ends or termination pointsof each of the conductive wires or traces 5 for conductingelectromagnetic (e.g., electrical) signals through traces 5 from firstcontacts 7 to respective second contacts 9. The FIG. 3 embodimentsensing device 14 shows a number of the wires or traces 5 evenly spacedapart, each running in parallel across the front face of each of thenon-conductive layers 3. As further detailed herein, spacing betweenadjacent traces 5 defines system resolution by determining the number ofimpact data points.

The wires or traces 5 are illustratively read or monitored by themeasurement system 20 checking each respective conductive path for anopen, resistive change, or by transmitting an electromagnetic (e.g.,electrical) signal pulse down the conductive path and measuring the timeit takes to return or bounce back.

In one illustrative embodiment, the measurement system 20 includes anelectromagnetic, illustratively electrical, signal generator 27 operablycoupled to the electrical source 6 for providing a signal input to eachof the first electrical contacts 7. The measurement system 20 alsoincludes an electromagnetic, illustratively electrical, signal measuringdevice 29 operably coupled to the ground 8 for measuring signal outputsfrom each of the second electrical contacts 9.

In an illustrative embodiment, the measurement system 20 may comprise atime domain reflectometer (TDR) which is known for characterizing andlocating faults in metal wires or cables. Illustratively, the TDRincludes signal generator 27 in the form of an electrical pulsegenerator coupled to first electrical contacts 7 for transmitting ashort time rise signal pulse along the traces 5. Assuming that eachtrace 5 is of uniform impedance and properly terminated, the entiretransmitted pulse will be absorbed at second contacts 9 and no signalwill be reflected back to the TDR. However, impedance discontinuitieswill cause some of the signal pulse from the signal generator 27 to besent back towards the TDR. More particularly, increases in impedancewill create a reflection that reinforces the original pulse signal,while decreases in impedance will cause a reflection that opposes theoriginal pulse signal. The resulting reflected pulse signal is measuredby signal measuring device 29 of the TDR, illustratively an oscilloscopethat plots the reflected pulse signal as a function of time. Since thespeed of signal transmission is relatively constant for conductivetraces 5, the reflected pulse signal may be interpreted as a function oflength to the damage 13.

As the different layer assemblies 15 a, 15 b, 15 c (correspondingrespectively to X, Y & U planes, where U represents a plane that is atan angle to X & Y planes) are penetrated by a ballistic object, theconductive wires or traces 5 at a damaged portion are cut or degraded,thereby identifying a location relative to a structure of interest. Thisdamaged portion of the layers 15 a, 15 b, 15 c also provides informationon the size (i.e. surface area) and the depth of the damage.

With further reference to FIG. 3, an illustrative first sensor layerassembly 15 a for a first sensor detection axis (e.g., “x axis”) isprovided with a number of electrically conductive wires or traces 5running across the non-conductive layer 3 and spaced apart from eachother in a perpendicular direction (e.g., “y axis”). Each of theconductive wires or traces 5 is illustratively embedded in thenon-conductive layer 3. A decrease in spacing between adjacentconductive wires or traces 5 improves a given exemplary sensingstructure's ability to sense size and impact location of an impact event(i.e., resolution) by providing a greater number of impact data pointsto the measurement system 20.

Embodiments of the sensing device 14 disclosure may be manufactured witha variety of materials. For example, the non-conductive layer 3 may bemade from epoxy, thermoplastic, thermal set plastic, ceramic, paper,silicon, polymers, or other electrically non-conductive materialsuitable to having electrically conductive pathways coupled to thenon-electrically conductive material. An electrically non-conductivematerial may also be applied using a spray or painting apparatus whichapplies the non-electrically conductive material onto a structure ofinterest then have the electrically conductive pathways applied onto alayer of the non-electrically conductive material. In one illustrativeembodiment, the non-conductive layer 3 may be formed of an electricallyisolative material, such as MYLAR®, fiberglass, KAPTON®. The conductivetraces 5 may be formed of an electrically conductive material, such ascopper or aluminum, which may be applied using conventional circuittrace processes, such as direct depositing, vapor depositing, etching,painting, flame spraying, laminating, or gluing the conductive materialonto the isolative substrate or layer 3.

A second sensor layer assembly 15 b for a second sensor detection axis(e.g., “y axis”) is provided in the illustrative embodiment. The secondsensor layer assembly 15 b is similar to the first sensor layer assembly15 a except that the wires or traces 5 of the second sensor layerassembly 15 b are oriented in a different direction than the wires ortraces 5 in the first layer assembly 15 a (e.g., angularly offset withina common plane). In this example, the wires or traces 5 in the secondsensor layer assembly 15 b are oriented to run approximatelyperpendicular to the wires or traces 5 in the first sensor layerassembly 15 a.

A third sensor layer assembly 15 c for a third sensor detection axis(e.g., “u axis”) is provided in the illustrative embodiment. The thirdsensor layer assembly 15 c is similar to the first and second sensorlayer assemblies 15 a, 15 b, except that the wires or traces 5 that areof the third sensor layer assembly 15 c are oriented in a differentorientation than the first or second sensor layer assemblies 15 a, 15 b(e.g., angularly offset within a common plane). In this example, thewires or traces 5 of the third sensor layer assembly 15 c are orientedat an approximate 45 degree angle relative to the wires or traces 5 inthe first and second sensor layer assemblies 15 a, 15 b.

Referring further to FIG. 3, a rear face of the second sensor layerassembly 15 b is coupled to a front face of the third sensor layerassembly 15 c, illustratively through an adhesive. Similarly, a rearface of the first sensor layer assembly 15 a is coupled to a front faceof the second sensor layer assembly 15 b, illustratively through anadhesive. In certain illustrative embodiments, the layer assemblies 15a, 15 b, 15 c may be coupled together through other conventional means,such as fasteners, heat staking, or lamination.

The embodiment sensing device 14 of FIG. 3 operates by coupling theelectrical source 6 to the first electrical contacts 7, and ground 8 tothe second electrical contacts 9. When a damage or impact event occurs(e.g., a ballistic object impact), resistance changes between the firstelectrical contacts 7 and the second electrical contacts 9 when thewires or traces 5 are either severed or deformed at the damaged portion.

Measurement system 20 is illustratively coupled to the electrical source6 and ground 8 which determines changes in electrical properties of thewires or traces 5. More particularly, the signal generator 27 of themeasurement system 20 electrically couples the first electrical contacts7 to the electrical source 6, and the signal measuring device 29 of themeasurement system 20 electrically couples the second electricalcontacts 9 to ground 8. The measurement system 20 will then sendmeasurements to impact or damage detection processing system 30 whichthen determines damage data (e.g., the location, size, time, and/orcategory of a damage event 13 on the structure of interest 16 to whichthe sensing device 14 has been coupled).

The impact detection processing system 30 may use the relative positionof each impact event location associated with each sensor layer assembly15 a, 15 b, 15 c to determine the impact location 13 for the object 19which created the impact event. This information may then be used toidentify the point of origin 17 for the object 19 associated with theimpact event. The point of origin 17 information may then be used totake further actions such as orienting output devices 90 (e.g., furthersensors or equipment) on the axis of origin 21 to further respond, ifnecessary, to potential additional impact events.

The damage data from the processing system 30 may then be provided to auser interface 50. More particularly, the user interface 50 may includean output device to produce damage data including a visualrepresentation of a damage alert, damage event 13 location, and a damageevent origination axis 21. In certain illustrative embodiments, the userinterface 50 may include a graphical display for plotting the damageevent 13 location on a diagram or map associated with the structure ofinterest 16. In certain illustrative embodiments, the user interface 50may provide an audible event warning and/or a tactile event warningindicating the location of the damage event 13. The user interface 50may also include a communication device, such as a wireless transceiver,that transmits a damage event notification signal depicting anorientation of the damage event 13.

The axis of origin 21 information may also be used to determine orassess damage which could have been caused by the impact or penetrationassociated with the damage event 13 and impact object 19. An embodimentof the system 10 may also be used to characterize the impact object 19and potentially the source 17 of the impact object 19 based on axis oforigin 21, size of damage 13 detected by the sensor layer assemblies 15a, 15 b, 15 c, and depth of penetration of damage 13 within the sensorlayer assemblies 15 a, 15 b, 15 c, to further characterize threat orother information associated with the impact object 19 or event. Theuser interface 50, such as a display monitor or other graphical userinterface device, then permits a user to view and interpret the plot ofdamage, axis of origin 21 for the impact object 19, and potential areaof interest for a point of origin 17 of the impact object 19, and takeappropriate action.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrammatic views showing how a vector 22 for aprojectile 19 impacting sensing device 14 may be determined by system10. A table of damage profile data associated with impact damage 13 a,13 b, 13 c (FIG. 4A) at layer assemblies 15 a, 15 b, 15 c from specificsources may be created by system 12 and stored in memory 31. Theprocessing system 30 may correlate the detected damage 13 with expecteddamage characteristics from known sources stored in the damage profiledata table. For example, damage profile data may represent known damageprofiles from common sources, such as AK47 rounds, anti-tank rounds, andIED damage patterns so the system will not produce false vectorinformation from anything except rifle or gun rounds. IED or armorpiercing blast damage would likely cause so much damage that the damagepattern could not be interpolated to produce an accurate vector 22calculation for the point of origin 17. Additional illustrative storeddamage profiles may be from a small arms (e.g., 3 mm to 8 mmprojectiles) category, an explosively formed penetrator category, a highenergy ballistic impact category (e.g., micro meteoroids or spacedebris), a structural fatigue category, a heat event category, and alarge caliber (e.g., .50 or larger caliber) projectile category.

Referring to FIG. 5, a further illustrative embodiment sensing device 24is shown as including a sensor layer assembly 26 having elongated loopsof wires or traces 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, and 35 running across anonconductive layer 23 with first (e.g., source) and second (e.g.,ground) electrical contacts 7 and 9, respectively, coupled to eachrespective end of the elongated loops of wire or traces 25, 27, 29, 31,33, and 35. In the illustrative embodiment, the first and secondelectrical contacts 7 and 9 are formed on one side of the sensor layerassembly 21 and are coupled to opposing ends of each elongated loop 25,27, 29, 31, 33, and 35. The non-conductive layer or substrate 23 isillustratively formed of an electrically isolative material (e.g.,MYLAR®, fiberglass, KAPTON®, or epoxy), while the loops of wires ortraces 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, and 35 are illustratively formed of anelectrically conductive material (e.g., copper or aluminum). A basematerial or substrate 22 is illustratively placed underneath thenon-conductive layer 23. However, it should be noted that the basematerial 22 could also be the structure of interest 16 that is beingmonitored for an impact event which the non-conductive layer 23 isplaced upon versus another layer of material. The elongated loops ofwire or traces 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, and 35 are placed such that they areparallel with each other and are approximately evenly spaced apartacross the non-conductive material 23.

The loops of wire or traces 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, and 35 areillustratively read or monitored by the measurement system 20 checkingeach respective conductive path for an open, resistive change, or bytransmitting an electromagnetic (e.g., electrical) signal pulse down theconductive path and measuring the time it takes to return or bounceback. In certain illustrative embodiments, the sensing device 24 of FIG.5 may be operably coupled to a time domain reflectometer (TDR) foroperation similar to sensing device 14 of FIG. 3, but for having theelectrical contacts 7 and 9 all located along one side of thenon-conductive layer 23.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, further illustrative sensing devices 41and 71 are shown. Sensing device 41 is shown as including two nestedsensor loops 47, 69, while sensing device 71 is shown as including sixnested sensor loops 77, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86. The nested and multiplesensor loops provide enhanced capability to impact position detectionsystem 10 by increasing its ability to detect smaller damage areas andimpact objects 19 impinging on a structure of interest 16 as well aslocation of impact 13. The operation of the first embodiment sensingdevice 41 and second embodiment sensing device 71 in FIGS. 6A and 6B,respectively, are both substantially identical with the exception thanthe second embodiment sensing device 71 of FIG. 6B has a greater abilityto sense smaller objects within a smaller area than the first embodimentsensing device 41 of FIG. 6A.

The illustrative sensing device 41 shown in FIG. 6A includes anon-conductive material layer or substrate 45 placed on a base materialor substrate 43, with a first sensor loop 47 and a second sensor loop 69formed on the electrically isolating or non-conductive layer 45. Again,the base material 43 may be the structure of interest 16 that is beingmonitored for an impact event and upon which the non-conductive layer 45is directly placed versus an intermediate layer of material. Both thefirst sensor loop 47 and the second sensor loop 69 are illustrativelyformed of an electrically conductive material (e.g., copper oraluminum).

The first sensor loop 47 of sensing device 41 illustratively has a firstend on an upper right hand side of the non-conductive material 45. Thefirst sensor loop 47 extends in a continuous elongated serpentine path,or manner similar to an elongated sine wave form, with lengths of eachlateral loop segment being longer than a vertical length forming bendsegments from top to bottom of the non-conductive material 45 with evenspacing. However, it should be noted that the sensing device 41 mayinclude any sensor loop or structure form which adequately covers astructure of interest 16 to provide a sensing capacity distributed overthe structure of interest 16 as desired. The sensor loop 47 in sensingdevice 41 has a terminating or second end on a lower right hand side ofthe non-conductive material 45 of FIG. 6A. A first end electricalcontact 49 is formed in electrical contact with the first end of thesensor loop 47 at the upper right hand corner of the sensing device 41.A second end electrical contact 55 is formed in electrical contact withthe second end of the sensor loop 47 proximate the lower right handcorner of the sensing device 41. A number of intermediate electricalcontacts 67, 63, and 61, are coupled to bend points intermediate endcontacts 49 and 55 in the elongated serpentine path of sensor loop 47 insensing device 41.

The second sensor loop 69 of the sensing device 41 of FIG. 6A isillustratively formed similar to the first sensor loop 47 in anelongated serpentine form which is nested to follow the contours orshape of the first sensor loop 47. The sensor loop 69 has an initiatingor first end on a lower left hand portion of the sensing device 41, andhas a terminating or second end at an upper left section of the sensingdevice 41 of FIG. 6A. A first end electrical contact 59 is formed inelectrical contact with the first end of the sensor loop 69 at the lowerleft hand section of the sensing device 41. A second end electricalcontact 65 is formed in electrical contact with the second end of thesensor loop 69 proximate the lower right hand corner of the sensingdevice 41. A number of intermediate electrical contacts 57, 53, and 51are coupled to bend points intermediate end contacts 59 and 65 in theelongated serpentine path of the second sensor loop 69 in sensing device41.

The sensor loops 47 and 69 are illustratively read or monitored by themeasurement system 20 checking each respective conductive path for anopen, resistive change, or by transmitting a pulse down the conductivepath and measuring the time it takes to return or bounce back. Asfurther detailed herein, any suitable measurement device may be coupledacross first end electrical contacts 49 and 59 and electrical contacts55, 67, 63, 61, and 65, 57, 53, 51 to measure electrical attributes ofthe sensor loops 47 and 69, respectively. In certain illustrativeembodiments, the measurement system may comprise a time domainreflectometer (TDR). As such, the sensing device 41 of FIG. 6A mayoperate in a similar manner as the sensing device 24 of FIG. 5.

The illustrative sensing device 71 of FIG. 6B shows a non-conductivelayer or substrate 75 placed on a base material or substrate 73 withfirst, second, and third sensor loops 77, 78, 80 formed in elongated Ushaped forms having an initiating or first end at a right hand side anda terminating or second end on the right hand side with the bend beingon an opposing side, such that the opening defined by the U shape ofeach loop 77, 78, 80 is formed on the right hand side. Thenon-conductive layer 75 is illustratively formed of an electricallyisolative material (e.g., MYLAR®, fiberglass, KAPTON®, or epoxy), whilethe loops 77, 78, 80 are illustratively formed of an electricallyconductive material (e.g., copper or aluminum). The first, second, andthird sensor loops 77, 78, 80 are illustratively evenly spaced apart,with the first sensor loop 77 being formed in an upper section, thesecond sensor loop 78 being formed in a center section, and the thirdsensor loop 80 being formed in a lower section of the sensing device 71.First electrical contacts 79, 83, 87 are respectively formed inelectrical contact with a beginning or an upper side of the U-shapedfirst, second, and third sensor loops 77, 78, 80 on the right side ofthe sensing device 71 in FIG. 6B. Second electrical contacts 81, 85, 89are formed in electrical contact with a respective opposing end of thefirst, second, and third sensor loops 77, 78, 80 having first electricalcontacts 79, 83, 87, and are likewise positioned on the right side ofthe sensing device 71 in FIG. 6B.

FIG. 6B shows the illustrative sensing device 71 as including fourth,fifth and, sixth sensor loops 86, 84, 82 formed in elongated U shapedforms starting from a left hand side and ending on the left hand side.The bend in the U shaped form of each loop 86, 84, 82 is formed on anopposing side from the end points of each U shaped loop 86, 84, 82 suchthat the opening of the U shape is formed on the left hand side of thesensing device 71 in FIG. 6B. The fourth, fifth, and sixth sensor loops86, 84, 82 are formed evenly spaced apart, with the fourth sensor loop86 being formed in an upper section, the fifth sensor loop 84 beingformed in a center section, and the sixth sensor loop 82 being formed ina lower section of the sensing device 71. First electrical contacts 103,99, 95 are respectively formed in electrical contact with a beginningpoint or an upper side of the U-shaped fourth, fifth, and sixth thirdsensor loops 86, 84, 82 on the left hand side of the sensing device 71in FIG. 6B. Second electrical contacts 101, 97, 91 are formed inelectrical contact with a respective opposing end of the fourth, fifth,and sixth sensor loops 86, 84, 82 having first electrical contacts 103,99, 95.

The first, second, and third sensor loops 77, 78, 80 of the illustrativesensing device 71 of FIG. 6B are offset and nested within the fourth,fifth, and sixth sensor loops 86, 84, 82. End points of sensor loopswhich terminate within a nested portion of another sensor loop (e.g.,first sensor loop 77 which terminates inside of fourth sensor loop 86,and sixth sensor loop 82 which terminates inside third sensor loop 80),are electrically coupled with a corresponding electrical contact using aburied trace within the non-conductive material 73 (e.g., firstelectrical contact 81 is electrically coupled with the end of the firstsensor loop 77, and second electrical contact 95 is electrically coupledwith the end of the sixth sensor loop 82).

The sensor loops 77, 78, 80 are illustratively read or monitored by themeasurement system 20 checking each respective conductive path for anopen, resistive change, or by transmitting a pulse down the conductivepath and measuring the time it takes to return or bounce back. Again, incertain illustrative embodiments, the measurement system 20 may comprisea time domain reflectometer (TDR). As such, the sensing device 71 ofFIG. 6B may operate in a similar manner as the sensing device 41 of FIG.6A.

More particularly, the method of operation and processing systems foruse with the illustrative sensing devices 41 and 71 of FIGS. 6A and 6Bmay be similar to those detailed above in connection with sensing device14 of FIG. 3. The single-axis device embodiments of FIGS. 6A and 6B maybe primarily focused on identifying a location of a damage event 13,versus the multi-axis embodiment of FIG. 3 which is also configured todetermine a point of origin 17 of an object 19 causing a damage event 13(FIG. 2). However, it should be appreciated that layering sensingdevices 41 and 71 (alone or with additional devices) would create amulti-axis sensing device having sensing features similar to sensingdevice 14 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6C shows an exemplary alternative impact sensing device 119 of asingle axis sensing structure with multiple electrical detection loops123, 125 formed onto a non-conductive material substrate or layer 120oriented with an angle with respect to a designated plane. The impactsensing device 119 provides an ability to detect smaller impact objectsmore precisely. In particular, the sensing device 119 of FIG. 6C showsfirst and second sensor loops 123, 125 which are coupled with thenon-conductive material 120. Again, the non-conductive layer 120 isillustratively formed of an electrically isolative material (e.g.,MYLAR®, fiberglass, KAPTON®, or epoxy), while the loops 123, 125 areillustratively formed of an electrically conductive material (e.g.,copper or aluminum). The first and second sensor loops 123, 125 areformed in an elongated serpentine path with lateral segments and bendsegments which couple to the lateral segments in a U shaped form. Thelateral segments are longer than the bend segments. The lateral segmentsare formed with an orientation which is approximately 45 degrees from adesignated plane of interest such a ground plane which is parallel to aterrestrial horizon. The first and second sensor loops 123, 125 areoffset and nested within each other's loops 125, 123, with the firstsensor loop 123 starting at a top left hand section of the impactsensing device 119 in FIG. 6C and ending in a lower right hand sectionof the impact sensing device 119.

With further reference to FIG. 6C, a first end electrical contact 143 isillustratively formed on the upper left hand portion of the impactsensing device 119 and is coupled to the first sensor loop 123. Firstend electrical contact 127 is formed on the upper left hand portion ofthe impact sensing device 119 and is coupled to the second sensor loop125. Intermediate electrical contacts 141, 139, 137 are formed on eachbend segment of the first sensor loop 123, and a second end electricalcontact 133 is formed at an end section of the first sensor loop 123 onthe lower right hand section of the sensing device 119. Intermediateelectrical contacts 128, 129, 131 are formed on each bend segment of thesecond sensor loop 125 and an second end electrical contact 135 isformed at an end section of the second sensor loop 125 on the lowerright hand section of the sensing device 119. In this embodiment, eachelectrical contact 141, 139, 137, 133, 128, 129, 131, 135 is separatefrom respective first end electrical contacts 143, 127 to permitmeasuring of discrete electrical attributes therebetween, such asresistance values.

Again, in certain illustrative embodiments, the measurement system 20coupled to sensing device 119 may comprise a time domain reflectometer(TDR). As such, the sensing device 119 of FIG. 6C may operate in asimilar manner as the sensing device 41 of FIG. 6A. Further, sensingdevices 41, 71, and 119 (alone or with additional devices) may belayered to create a multi-axis sensing device having sensing featuressimilar to sensing device 14 of FIG. 3. For example, sensing device 41may form a top layer, sensing device 71 may form an intermediate layer,and sensing device 119 may form a bottom layer.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary model of a further sensing system,illustratively including an electromagnetic radiating structure 111(e.g., an antenna) with an electromagnetic wave 113 propagating throughfree space from the radiating structure 111. The electromagnetic wave113 in this example is perpendicular to a ground plane 115. An impactobject 19 traversing the electromagnetic wave 113 will distort theelectromagnetic wave 113 as it passes through the electromagnetic wave113 field. This distortion may be detected and plotted using damagedetection processing system 30 which permits detection of an impactobject 19 prior to impact. This system may be adapted to detectbackground radiation or electromagnetic sources and then emit a fieldwhich is out of phase with the background radiation or electromagneticsources which then cancels one or more background radiation orelectromagnetic signals so as not to avoid emitting an interferencefield or create an undesirable detectable signal.

In certain illustrative embodiments, radiating structure 111 maycomprise a proximity sensor similar to a Theremin. The Theremin mayinclude a plurality of spaced apart antennas supported by a base platedefining a ground plane. An illustrative Theremin is the Model No. 302Theremin available from Harrison Instruments of Silver Spring, Md.Illustratively, at least three antennas are provided in order tofacilitate triangulation of an object (such as a ballistic) positionedin proximity to the Theremin. While the antennas may be of any suitableshape and size, in certain illustrative embodiments the antennas areconfigured to extend parallel to, and are illustratively recessedwithin, the base plate defining the ground plane. In operation, theplurality of antennas are configure to detect the presence, location,and velocity of an object by detecting changes in the electromagneticwaves detected by the antennas within the medium (e.g., air) above theground plane. The antennas are also configured to detect changes in theelectromagnetic waves as a result of damage events (e.g., holes,recesses, etc.) within the external surface of the base plate.

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary embodiment of an alternative single ormultiple-axis sensing device 149 with an array of embedded resistanceelements having different electrical resistance values across the arraycontained in one or more planes of the sensing device 149 prior to animpact. The sensing device 149 may be coupled, adhered, or attached to abase material layer or substrate 151 or directly to the structure ofinterest 16. The impact sensing device 149 illustratively includes anon-conductive material 153 and an array of embedded resistive elements155 and 157 formed into rows and columns, respectively (e.g., each rowincludes resistive elements 155 a-155 h, and each column includesresistive elements 157 a-157 i). The sensing device 149 resistiveelements 155, 157 are coupled at interconnects or nodes at eachintersection of the respective rows and columns. In the illustrativeembodiment of FIG. 8, there are nine columns and ten rows of resistiveelements 155, 157, and each individual resistive element has twointerconnects for electrical conductivity. For example, a firstresistive element 155 a in row ten, column one has two interconnects oneither side of the first resistive element (e.g., 175, 177).

With further reference to FIG. 8, measurement system 20 is electricallycoupled to first and second electrical contacts 171 and 173,respectively, to measure electrical attributes (e.g., impedance,voltage, resistance) therebetween. In one illustrative embodiment, powersignals are applied by measurement system 20 to first electricalcontacts 17, and measurements are taken by measurement system 20 atsecond electrical contacts 173 to determine electrical attributes of theimpact sensor array 149. Note that a single drawing element number hasbeen assigned to each first electrical contact 171 and each secondelectrical contact 173, followed by a pair of letters. The signal pathbetween each opposing first electrical contact 171 and second electricalcontact 173 is illustratively measured independently from every othersignal path. Moreover, each pair of contacts 171, 173 defining a signalpath are identified by reference numbers 171, 173 followed by the sameletter (i.e., 171 aa, 173 aa defines a first signal path, 171 bb, 173 bbdefines a second signal path, etc.). The use of the single drawingreference number for all contacts of the same category (e.g., electricalsource contacts 171) should not be used to infer a limitation on thedesign, structure, or processes used in this embodiment of thedisclosure with reference to the contacts themselves. In other words,measurements in this embodiment may be taken between respective firstand second electrical contacts 171, 173 in the same row, as well as indifferent rows.

A different measurement of electrical attributes (e.g., impedance,voltage, resistance) may be taken for each row by means of measuring viameasurement system 20 each first and second electrical contacts 171, 173in a row independently of the other rows in the exemplary impact sensorarray 149. In particular, measurements are taken which permitdetermination of impact events based on measuring electrical attributesfrom each path between first electrical contacts 171 and secondelectrical contacts 173. In certain illustrative embodiments,measurements may be taken by the measurement system 20 between eachfirst electrical contact 171 and every second electrical contact 173.For example, measurements may be taken between first electrical contact171 aa and each of the second electrical contacts 173 aa-173 jj, betweenfirst electrical contact 171 bb and each of the second electricalcontacts 173 aa-173 jj, and so forth, concluding with measurements takenbetween first electrical contact 171 jj and each of the secondelectrical contacts 173 aa-173 jj.

As shown in FIG. 8, a series of resistors 155 is illustratively placedbetween nodes that are formed at the intersection of each column androw. For example, a series of resistors 155 a, 155 b, 155 c, 155 d, 155e, 155 f, 155 g, 155 h, are coupled to each other serially with a firstelectrical contact 171 jj on one interconnect of the first resistor 155a in row ten, and a second electrical contact 173 jj on one interconnectof the last resistor 155 h in row ten. Each resistor 155 may have adifferent resistance value between the first resistor 155 a and the lastresistor 155 h in row ten. The values of each resistor 155 in each rowin this embodiment are illustratively formed to individually andserially have a range from low to high, high to low, or a differentresistance value. More particularly, each resistor 155 in a row in thisembodiment may have a different resistance value than the otherresistors 155 in the same row. For example, the first resistor 155 a inrow ten may have a 50 ohm resistance, the second resistor 155 b in rowten may have a 45 ohm resistance, the third resistor 155 c in row tenmay have a 40 ohm resistance, the fourth resistor 155 d in row ten mayhave a 35 ohm resistance, the fifth resistor 155 e in row ten may have a30 ohm resistance, the sixth resistor 155 f in row ten may have a 25 ohmresistance, the seventh resistor 155 g in row ten may have a 20 ohmresistance, and the eighth resistor 155 h in row ten may have a 15 ohmresistor. Each row in this illustrative embodiment sensing device 149may have a similar scheme of resistance or electrical attribute values,e.g., high to low, low to high, or different resistance. In thisillustrative embodiment, resistors 157 which form the column linksbetween nodes formed by the rows and columns are of the same resistancevalues. However, the individual column resistors 157 may also beselected to have different resistance values such as a progression ofhigh to low resistance, low to high resistance, or different resistancevalues for two or more resistors 157 from column to column. Anembodiment may also exist where both rows and columns both havedifferent resistance values. The selection of a gradient change inresistance values in this embodiment contributes to provide a capabilityof determining position of impact in the impact sensing device 149.

Referring to FIG. 9, the sensing device of FIG. 8 is shown during orafter an impact event. The illustrative sensing device of FIG. 8 isshown with ten rows (corresponding to first electrical contacts 171aa-171 jj) and nine columns (including a fifth column 181, a sixthcolumn 183, a seventh column 185, and an eighth column 187 as shown inFIG. 9). The enumeration of the rows (i.e., first, second, third),starts at a top row then progresses downward, and the column enumeration(i.e., first, second, third), starts at an upper left most column andprogresses to the right. An impact area or damage zone 179 is formedafter an impact event in the impact sensing device 149. Resistors 155,157 are damaged or disconnected from the impact sensor array 149 as aresult of the exemplary impact event. As a result, a resistance pathchanges between first electrical contacts 171 gg, 171 hh, 171 ii andsecond electrical contacts 173 gg, 173 hh, 173 ii due to the impact areaor damage zone. In other words, an electrical path changes between theserespective contacts 171 gg and 173 gg, 171 hh and 173 hh, 171 ii and 173ii. For example, an electrical path between first electrical contact 171hh and second electrical contact 173 hh will now substantially take anelectrical path of resistors 155 in the eighth row 171 hh to theresistors 157 g, 157 f between eighth and sixth rows 171 hh and 171 ffin the fifth column, then travel along row 171 ff to a node at row 171ff and column eight 187, then to the resistor 157 f, 157 g between rows171 ff and 171 hh to the node at the eighth row 171 hh and column eight187, then complete the path to second electrical contact 173 hh throughthe eight row 171 hh. The sensing device of FIGS. 8 and 9 operates bymeasuring resistance and then matching or determining which pathways arestill active versus ones that are not which then determines the path ofleast resistance. This path of least resistance data may then be used todetermine which sections of the impact sensing device 149 are stillpresent and which ones that are not or are degraded, and therebydetermine a plot or position of impact event damage to the impactsensing device 149.

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary alternative embodiment of a multiple axisimpact sensing structure or device 191 with a conductive layer 193. Afirst series of first electrical contacts 197 a-197 k, a second seriesof first electrical contacts 199 a-1991, a first series of secondelectrical contacts 201 a-201 k, and a second series of secondelectrical contacts 203 a-2031 are electrically coupled to theconductive layer 193. The first series of first electrical contacts 197a-197 k are illustratively applied to a left hand outer edge of theconductive layer 193. The second series of first electrical sourcecontacts 199 a-1991 are illustratively applied to a top outer edge areaof the conductive layer 193. The first series of second electricalcontacts 201 a-201 k are illustratively applied to a right hand outeredge of the conductive layer 193. The second series of second electricalcontacts 203 a-2031 are illustratively applied to a bottom outer edge ofthe conductive layer 193. The first and second series of firstelectrical contacts 197 a-197 k and 199 a-1991, respectively, and thefirst and second series of second electrical contacts 201 a-201 k and203 a-2031, respectively, are evenly distributed along the abovedescribed outer edges of the conductive layer 193 and are in electricalcontact with the conductive layer 193. The conductive layer 193 may bemanufactured from a variety of materials which are homogenous withrespect to electrical conductivity (e.g., copper, aluminum, or carbon).More particularly, the conductive layer 193 may be formed of anymaterial having suitable electrical attributes for the sensingmethodology detailed herein. The illustrative embodiment impact sensingdevice 191 operates by sensing electrical attributes (e.g., impedance,resistivity, conductivity) between first electrical contacts 197 a-197 kand 199 a-1991 and second electrical contacts 201 a-201 k and 203a-2031.

Measurements from the sensing of electrical attributes by the sensingdevice 191 may be processed by processing system 12, which thendetermines position and size of impact events 13 by a variety ofcalculations. More particularly, electrical attributes areillustratively processed by the measurement system 20 which thencommunicates with the damage detection processing system 30. Theprocessing system 30 may include a triangulation processor, which basedon paths of least resistance or a look up table stored in memory 31,associates position and size of damage with electrical attribute datasuch as resistance or conductance sensed between at least one set offirst electrical contacts 197, 199 and any of the second electricalcontacts 201, 203.

In an exemplary embodiment of sensing device 191, the measurement system20 may serially or in parallel measure an electrical attribute (e.g.,resistance), between first electrical contacts 197 a-197 k and opposingsecond electrical contacts 201 a-201 k, as well as between firstelectrical contacts 199 a-1991 and opposing second electrical contacts203 a-2031 to determine electrical attributes sensed in the electricallyconductive layer 193 between the respective contacts 197, 199, 201, 203.The damage detection processing system 30 determines an electricalattribute data value between one or more pairs of selected first andsecond electrical contacts 197 and 201, 199 and 203. At least two of theelectrical data values associated with two or more pairs of selectedfirst and second electrical contacts 197 and 201, 199 and 203 may beused in a triangulation method by damage detection processing system 30for identifying a damage area based on comparing a known electrical datavalue associated with a pre-damage state of the electrically conductivelayer 193 to a post-damage event state of the electrically conductivelayer 193. Additional electrical data values associated with additionalpairs of selected first and second electrical contacts 197 and 201, 199and 203 may be further used by the processing system 30 in thetriangulation processor to determine additional size informationassociated with a damage area 13.

In an illustrative example, a first electrical data value associatedwith a post-damage state of the electrically conductive layer 193 may besensed by the measurement system 20, for example through a read-out buscoupled to first electrical contact 197 c and second electrical contact201 i. A second electrical data value associated with a post-damagestate of the electrically conductive layer 193 may be sensed by themeasurement system 20, for example through a read-out bus coupled tofirst electrical contact 199 j and second electrical contact 203 c. If adamage event 13 has occurred between these above reference contacts (197c, 201 i and 199 j, 203 c in this example), then a higher resistancevalue will be detected in the electrically conductive layer 193 wherethe conductive layer 193 has been damaged or degraded between the sensedcontact points (e.g., 197 c, 201 i and 199 j, 203 c). In this example,if the electrically conductive layer 193 has been damaged between, forexample, first electrical contact 197 c and second electrical contact201 i, then a resistance reading between these contacts (e.g., 197 c,201 i and 199 j, 203 c) will show a higher resistance value than abaseline resistance value associated with an undamaged electricallyconductive layer 193. Obtaining at least two electrical data values,where each electrical data value is associated with a linear path ofleast resistance between two opposing first and second electricalcontacts 197, 199 and 201, 203 creates a coordinate point fordetermining position of a damage event 13 to the electrically conductivelayer 193.

The coordinate point of the damage event 13 referenced above may bedetermined by the damage detection processing system 30 based on acomparison of the electrical attributes or data values sensed betweenany two given first and second electrical contacts 197, 199 and 201,203, for example, by showing higher resistance thereby indicating damageas compared to a baseline resistance associated with no damage to theelectrically conductive layer 193. Higher sensed resistance data betweensensed first electrical contacts 197, 199 and second electrical contacts201, 203 may be used by processing system 30 to create a virtual impactdamage plot comprising intersecting virtual damage plot linesrepresenting damage coordinates (i.e., two sets of intersecting firstand second electrical contacts 197, 199 and 201, 203 showing higherresistance across the electrically conductive layer 193). The processingsystem 30 may then plot damage to the electrically conductive layer 193using the above reference damage coordinates and output this damageposition to the user interface 50 which may then be used to determinefurther responses or action by either a user, for example through userinterface 50, or an output device 90, such as a machine which isoperably coupled to the processing system 30.

FIG. 11 shows an exemplary alternative embodiment impact sensingstructure or device 211 including an electrically conductive layer 213having varying electrical or electromagnetic properties across theelectrically conductive layer 213 sensed by means of a series ofelectrical contacts 215, 217 positioned along opposing sides. In oneillustrative embodiment, the layer 213 has a gradient of resistance(e.g., high to low, or low to high from left side to right side of thelayer 213). In other words, the layer 213 includes a gradient defined asa plane with a high material conductivity on one side, and a lowmaterial conductivity on an opposite side. Illustratively, the layer 213may be formed of graphite, known to be a good resistive material.

The series of electrical contacts comprise first electrical contacts 215a-215 k and second electrical contacts 217 a-217 k electrically coupledto the layer 213. Illustratively, the first electrical contacts 215a-215 k are electrically coupled to a left outer edge of theelectrically conductive layer 213, while the second electrical contacts217 a-217 k are electrically coupled to a right outer edge of theelectrically conductive layer 213. The second electrical contacts 217a-217 k are illustratively arranged equidistant from each other alongthe right outer edge of the electrically conductive layer 213. The firstelectrical contacts 215 a-215 k are also illustratively arrangedequidistant from each other along the left outer edge of theelectrically conductive layer 213. The measurement system 20 senseselectrical attributes such as resistance or conductance between any twofirst and second electrical contacts 215 and 217. The damage detectionprocessing system 30 referenced above may determine position and size ofan impact event 13 which damages or degrades the electrically conductivelayer 213.

With further reference to the illustrative impact sensing device 211 ofFIG. 11, a first virtual grid line 221 a may be determined between firstelectrical contact 215 a and second electrical contact 217 k based on afirst electrical data measurement which is different from a baselinemeasurement previously determined between these two contacts 215 a and217 k. A second virtual grid line 221 b may be determined between firstelectrical contact 215 b and second electrical contact 217 j based on asecond electrical data measurement which senses an electrical attributebetween these two contacts 215 b and 217 j which is different from abaseline measurement previously determined between these two contacts215 b and 217 j. Subsequent virtual grid lines 221 c-221 k may bedetermined between each successive pair of contacts 215 c-215 k and 217i-217 a.

In the FIG. 11 embodiment impact sensing structure 211, the differentresistances measured across the electrically conductive layer 213 assistin correlating the size and location of the impact event damage ordegradation in the electrically conductive layer 213. In other words,the virtual grid line 221 between any pair of first and secondelectrical contacts 215 and 217 will have a different value due to thechange in resistance across the electrically conductive layer 213. Inthis embodiment, a lookup table stored in memory 31 may be used bydamage detection processing system 30 to facilitate determination ofposition and size of impact event damage 13 in the electricallyconductive layer 213.

FIG. 12 is a detailed view of exemplary impact sensing structure 211 ofFIG. 11 showing a portion of the conductive layer 213 before an impact.A dashed line represents a virtual grid line 221 between firstelectrical contact 215 c and second electrical contact 217 i through theelectrically conductive layer 213. An electrical data measurement issensed by the measurement system 20 coupled to the first and secondelectrical contacts 215 c and 217 i. More particularly, the measurementsystem 20 senses an electrical attribute between these two electricalcontacts 215 c and 217 i. In the FIG. 12 embodiment, there is no damagebetween these two electrical contacts 215 c and 217 i, therefore thesensed electrical data measurement is not different from a baselinemeasurement previously determined between these two electrical contacts215 c and 217 i and stored in memory 31. As such, the processing system12 determines no damage exists between first and second electricalcontacts 215 c and 217 i.

FIG. 13 is a detailed view similar to FIG. 12 of exemplary impactsensing structure or device 211 having the conductive layer 213 after animpact event creating an impact damage area 225 in the electricallyconductive layer 213. A dashed line represents a virtual grid line 223between first electrical contact 215 c and second electrical contact 217i around the impact damage area 225 in the electrically conductive layer213. An electrical data measurement is sensed by the measurement system20 coupled to the electrical contacts 215 c and 217 i. Moreparticularly, the measurement system 20 senses an electrical attributebetween these two electrical contacts 215 c and 217 i. In the FIG. 13embodiment of sensing device 211, there is damage between these twoelectrical contacts 215 c and 217 i in the form of impact damage area225. As such, the sensed electrical data measurement is different from abaseline measurement previously determined between these two electricalcontacts 215 c and 217 i (FIG. 12) and the damage detection processingsystem 30 determines that damage exists between these two electricalcontacts 215 c and 217 i. The measurement system 20 takes additionalelectrical data measurements between additional pairs of firstelectrical contacts 215 and second electrical contacts 217 in order tocreate additional virtual grid lines 233 which are associated with theimpact damage area 225 and are used by processing system 30 to furtherrefine position and size information associated with the impact damagearea 225.

Embodiments of the sensing devices of the present disclosure may beaffixed directly to the structure of interest 16 which is desired to bemonitored for impact or tampering, be built into the structure ofinterest 16, or be formed into structures which may be selectivelyattachable and detachable from a structure of interest 16. An embodimentof the disclosure may be selectively attached or detached from astructure of interest 16 by means of couplers, such as a latchingsystem, hooks, hook and loop fasteners (i.e., Velcro), latches, screws,adhesives, or other suitable fasteners.

FIGS. 14-18 shows steps associated with an exemplary method ofmanufacture for installing an exemplary impact sensing structure 211 asin FIG. 11 onto a portion of a structure of interest 16, such as avehicle 231. While structure of interest 16 is shown in FIGS. 14-18 as avehicle, and more particularly as a tank, it should be appreciated thatthat impact sensing structure 211 may be used on a wide variety ofstructures, including aircraft, ships, spacecraft, and containers.

FIG. 14 shows an exemplary first method of manufacture step forpreparing a surface 233 needed to ensure a required adhesion ofsubsequent layers associated with installation of an exemplary sensingstructure 211 installed onto a facing or outer surface of the vehicle231 where detection is desired. A surface preparation step of FIG. 14may comprise processing which ensures adhesion or coupling with theexemplary sensing structure 211 which is to be installed in a laterstep. Such surface preparation may include sanding and/or attachingcouplers or coupling structures, such as hook and loop fasteners (i.e.,Velcro®) bolts, latches, or adhesives, to the structure of interest 231where the coupling structures are adapted to releasably ornon-releasably couple to the exemplary sensing structure 211 which isinstalled in a later step.

FIG. 15 shows an exemplary second method of manufacture step forapplying an electrically isolating (i.e., non-conductive) material 235to define a non-conductive layer associated with a later installation ofan exemplary sensing structure 211, such as that shown in FIG. 11,installed onto a facing of the equipment item 231 where detection isdesired. Illustratively, this step comprises applying an electricallyisolative base layer, for example a polymer paint, on the preparedsurface 233. The electrically isolating material 235 may be appliedusing a spray or painting apparatus which applies the material 235 ontothe prepared surface. The isolating material 235 may illustratively bemade from epoxy, polymers, including thermoplastics and thermosets,ceramic, paper, silicon, or other electrically non-conductive materialsuitable to having electrically conductive pathways coupled to thenon-electrically conductive material. In certain illustrativeembodiments, the electrically isolating material 235 may compriseMYLAR®, fiberglass, or KAPTON®.

FIG. 16 shows an exemplary third method of manufacturing step forapplying an exemplary conductive layer 213 associated with a sensingstructure, such as shown in FIG. 11, installed onto a facing of theequipment item 231 where detection is desired. Illustratively,conductive layer 213 may be formed of graphite as it is known to be agood variable resistive material. The conductive layer 213 may be formedof any suitable electrically conductive material, such as copper oraluminum, which may be applied using conventional circuit traceprocesses, such as direct depositing, vapor depositing, etching,painting, flame spraying, laminating, or gluing the conductive materialonto the electrically isolating material 235.

FIG. 17 shows an exemplary fourth method of manufacturing step forapplying electrical interconnects, illustratively first and secondelectrical contacts 215 a-215 k and 217 a-217 k, to the electricallyconductive layer 213 associated with sensing structure 211 installedonto a facing of an equipment item 231 where detection is desired. Theelectrical contacts 215 a-215 k and 217 a-217 k are illustrativelyelectrically coupled to the layer 213 through conductive epoxy andelectrically coupled to the measurement system 20 through inset copperor flexible copper circuit buses.

FIG. 18 shows an exemplary fifth method of manufacturing step forapplying an overcoat layer 237 which will provide protection andconcealment of the structures previously provided in FIGS. 14-17associated with a sensing structure, such as shown in FIG. 11, installedonto a facing of the vehicle 231 where detection is desired.Illustratively, the layer 237 is formed of an electrically isolativematerial for preventing the sensor layer from shorting out and forprotecting the sensor layer from the environment. The layer 237 maycomprise a polymer paint of a color matching the exterior surface of thevehicle 231 for concealment of the sensing device 211.

In further illustrative embodiment methods of manufacture, additionalelectrically isolative and conductive layers may be successively appliedintermediate the electrically isolative layer 235 and the electricallyconductive layer 213. Each grouping of electrically isolative andconductive layers 235 and 213 may define separate sensor layerassemblies 15 a, 15 b, 15 c similar to the type detailed above inconnection with FIG. 3.

Additional details of an exemplary sensor data acquisition andprocessing system 241 are shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 as including many ofthe features of the system 12 detailed above in connection with FIG. 1.More particularly, FIG. 19 is a detailed block diagram of a portion ofthe damage detection and remediation system 10 of FIG. 1, showingillustrative sensor data acquisition and processing system 241 coupledto sensing device 243, while FIG. 20 is a detailed schematic diagram ofa portion of the illustrative sensor data acquisition and processingsystem 241 of FIG. 19. Sensing device 243 may be of any type furtherdetailed herein, for example sensing device 14.

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the measurement system 20 may include amultiplexer 245 (shown as a plurality of interconnected multiplexers245A-245D in FIG. 20) coupled to a sensor array or sensing device 243and a measurement device 247. The impact detection processing system 30may include a micro-controller 249 coupled to the multiplexer 245 andthe measurement device 247. The micro-controller 249 is illustrativelycoupled to user interface 50 and memory 31. A communication device 250may operably couple the micro-controller 249 with the user interface 50and/or a main computer 261.

FIG. 20 shows representative sensor data acquisition and processingsystem 241 configured to be used in connection with illustrative sensingdevice 14, 243 of the type detailed above. A plurality of electricalconnections 257 operably couple multiplexers 245A and 245B with sensinglayer 15 a (FIG. 3), and operably couple multiplexers 245C and 245D withsensing layers 15 b (FIG. 3). It should be appreciated that additionalmultiplexers 245 may be coupled to sensing layers 15 a and 15 b, or toat least one additional sensing layer 15 c (FIG. 3). A voltage regulator255 may be in electrical communication with the micro-controller 249 andillustratively provides a consistent stepped-down voltage (e.g., from a24 volt input to 5 volt output).

The operation of this exemplary sensor data acquisition and processingsystem 241 is further explained in connection with FIGS. 19 and 20. Thesensor arrays 243 are illustratively connected to the measurement anddata acquisition and processing system 241 in order to provide feedbackto user interface 50. This sensor data acquisition and processing system241 may utilize multiplexer 245 connected to a microcontroller 249 tocycle through one, more than one, groups, or successive sensor elementson selected or every sensor array 243 or sensor array 243 layer. Themultiplexer 245 is illustratively connected to measurement device 247 tocheck each sensor array 243. Data from one or more sensing arrays 243are sent back to the microcontroller 249 for network data logging anddata processing, and potentially for display via the user interface 50.

FIG. 21 shows an exemplary system in accordance with the disclosurewhich includes a plurality of data acquisition and processing systems.In this example, approximately ten impact sensor arrays 265 a-265 j,illustratively together with associated measurement systems 20 anddamage detection processing systems 30, are coupled to an electrical bus267. In one illustrative embodiment, the bus 267 may comprises a CAN(Controller Area Network). The sensor arrays 265 may each comprise anyone of those further detailed herein, such as impact sensing device 14,149, 191, or 211. In one illustrative embodiment, these exemplary impactsensor arrays 265 a-265 j each include a microcontroller and aresistance measurement system. The bus 267 is coupled with a controller263 which includes a power supply. A main computer 261 or processingsystem is coupled to the controller 263 which processes informationsensed through the impact sensor arrays 265 a-265 j. A human machineinterface (HMI) 269 provides information on impact events to a user.

FIG. 22 shows an exemplary method of operation for an illustrativeimpact detection and remediation system 10 in accordance with oneembodiment of the disclosure such as, for example, that used inconnection with the sensing device or panel 14 of FIG. 3. At step 271,processing system 12 in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosuregenerates panel baseline data at a specified time interval. Moreparticularly, the measurement system 20 monitors the sensing device orpanel 14 and supplies representative data to the damage detectionprocessing system 30 which establishes the panel baseline data andstores it in memory 31. In one illustrative embodiment, the baselinemeasurement data determination is based on a predetermined data valueassociated with a state of layer assembly 15 by taking an electricalsignal measurement before the damage event 13. Illustratively, this maybe accomplished by the measurement system 20 monitoring the conductivepaths defined by traces 5 (i.e., measuring portions) of layer assemblies15 a, 15 b, 15 c between respective contacts 7 and 9, as furtherdetailed herein.

At step 273, the processing system then compares the currently generateddata from the initial baseline generation produced from step 271, if thedata has changed this signals that an impact event has occurred, and theprocess then simultaneously moves to steps 277 and 275. The currentlygenerated data comprises measurements from monitoring the conductivepaths defined by traces 5 (i.e., measuring portions) of layer assemblies15 a, 15 b, 15 c reported at a predetermined basis. The predeterminedbasis may include a fixed time interval or an input event, such as atemperature change.

At step 275 of FIG. 22, the panel 14 reporting the impact sends X, Y, Zcoordinate data via a CAN (Controller Area Network) bus 267. As furtherdetailed herein, the X, Y, Z coordinate data may be determined bycomparing different adjacent traces 5 (i.e., measuring portions), forexample in different layer assemblies 15 a, 15 b, 15 c. It should benoted that a CAN system is one form of a communication or network systemwhich may be used. Other communication or networking systems may be usedto perform the function of facilitating control signals between systemsor components. At step 277, the panel's microcontroller or measurementsystem 20 requests a new baseline via the CAN bus 267 from theprocessing system 30, thus resetting the baseline data to the currentscenario in order to detect a new impact event. At step 279, the CAN bus267 may transfer the coordinate data from step 275 to the processingsystem 30. At step 281, the processing system 30 illustrativelycalculates data including the impact locations, sizes, time data of thedamage event, and corresponding damage assessment (e.g. a category ofthe damage event), and sends this data to HMI (Human Machine Interface)system 269 and/or a controller 261 for an automated response such asorienting an output device 90, such as a sensor or weapon, on an axis 21aligned with an impact event origin area 17.

The category of the damage event may include a plurality of causes ofthe damage event which are correlated with at least one damage eventcharacteristic. The plurality of causes may include a small armscategory (e.g. 3 mm to 8 mm projectiles), an explosively formedpenetrator category, high energy ballistic impact category (e.g., micrometeoroids or space debris impacts), a structural fatigue category, aheat event category, and a .50 or larger caliber projectile category.

Continuing with step 285 of FIG. 22, a determination is made based oninput from step 281 for an automatic or HMI response which then triggersadditional processing steps associated with the respective automatic orHMI response. The step 285 processing system responds to inputs fromstep 281 based on pre-programmed conditions. At step 287, an HMI commandinput for an HMI triggered event is sent via the CAN bus 267 to an HMIdevice after a determination at step 285 that a manual response outputmay be required based on determinations made at step 281. At step 287,data from step 281 based on the determination at step 285 is transferredonto the CAN bus 267 and sent to the HMI device 269 in order to notify auser of the potential need for the manual response output. At step 289,the manual response output determined from step 285 is executed based ona user input directing execution of the manual response output. Notethat a user may decline to execute the manual response output as wellafter the user has been notified of the need for a decision on whetherto execute the manual response output. The HMI system 269 via the CANbus 267 may control devices coupled directly to the CAN bus 267 such asa weapon, sensor system, a communication system, a non-lethal weaponsystem, a display system, or other device a user will desire to manuallytrigger via a manual response output signal. An alternate embodiment mayhave the HMI system 269 interacting via a bus system with a controllersystem or a cloud computing system in communication with the HMI system269.

At step 291, an automatic response is input in the CAN bus 267 after adetermination is made at step 285 that an automatic event is requiredbased on data from step 281. At step 293, the automatic event from step285 is executed based on the determination at step 285 and the automaticevent data from step 291.

FIG. 23 shows an alternative method of operation for an illustrativeimpact detection and remediation system 10 such as, for example, thatused in connection with the sensing device or panel 14 of FIG. 3, andthe data acquisition and processing system 241 of FIGS. 19-21. At step301, processing system 12 commences operation and one or more impactsensor panel baseline data is generated at specified time intervals.Impact sensor panel 14 baseline data may include resistance values forsections of the impact sensor panel such as all discrete circuits (e.g.,5 in FIG. 3) on each impact sensor panel. At step 303, a resistancemeasurement system applies a voltage to electrical contacts (e.g., 9) onall layers (e.g., 15 a, 15 b, 15 c) making up a panel 14. As detailedherein, panel 14 may be formed of one or more layers 15 a, 15 b, 15 c.At step 305, the resistance measurement system measures electricalresistance between all contacts (e.g., 7, 9) on all layers (e.g., 15 a,15 b, 15 c). At step 307, resistance data produced by the resistancemeasurement system is sent to a system controller via a bus system(e.g., CAN bus 267 from FIG. 21).

At step 309 of FIG. 23, a determination is made of whether theresistance measurement data acquired at step 305 is different thanbaseline data acquired at step 301 or stored previously. At step 311 allpairs of contacts (e.g., 7, 9) are identified on each layer (e.g. 15 a,15 b, 15 c) where resistance data has changed from the baseline data ifthe determination at step 309 determines the resistance measurement datais different and resistance change data is stored associated with anidentifier associated with each discrete circuit (e.g., 5) between thepairs of contacts (e.g., 7, 9). At step 323, processing continues byidentifying all layers (e.g., 15 a, 15 b, 15 c) associated with thechanged resistance data associated with pairs of contacts whereresistance changed occurred that was determined at step 309 thenprocessing continues at step 325.

At step 312, one of the resistance data is selected from the resistancedata stored at step 309. At step 313, all resistance change dataassociated with each discrete circuit stored at step 309 is compared toa selected resistance data associated with one of the discrete circuitsselected at step 312 and a determination is made of whether the selectedresistance data has the largest resistance value change from thebaseline data as compared to all resistance data stored at step 309. Atstep 315, if the determination at step 312 is the selected resistancedata has the largest resistance value change, then the selectedresistance data is associated with a center point identifier data atstep 315 indicating a center point or area of an impact event thenprocessing continues at step 325. If the selected resistance data isfound to not to have the highest resistance change among the resistancedata collected at step 309, then processing continues at step 317.

With reference to step 317 of FIG. 23, all resistance change dataassociated with each discrete circuit stored at step 309 is compared toa selected resistance data associated with one of the discrete circuitsselected at step 312 and a determination is made of whether the selectedresistance data has the least resistance value change from the baselinedata as compared to all resistance data stored at step 309. At step 315,if the determination at step 312 is the selected resistance data has theleast resistance value change, then the selected resistance data isassociated with an edge of the impact area data at step 319 indicatingan edge point or area of an impact area event in the impact sensor panelthen processing continues at step 325. If the selected resistance datais found to not to have the least resistance change among the resistancedata collected at step 309, then processing continues at step 321. Atstep 321, the selected resistance data and associated discrete circuitis associated within an impact event edge area but not a center ofimpact area then processing continues at step 325. At step 325, acalculation of position, size, angle of impact is determined from datafrom steps 315, 319, 321, and 323 then processing continues at step 327.At step 327, a determination is made of whether any of the resistancedata associated with discrete circuits determined and stored at step 309has not been selected at step 313 and subsequently processed in steps313-325. If yes, then processing continues from step 327 at step 312. Ifno, then processing from step 327 terminates at step 329.

FIG. 24 shows an alternative method of operation for an illustrativeimpact detection and remediation system 10 such as, for example, thatused in connection with the sensing device or panel 149 of FIGS. 8 and9, and the data acquisition and processing system 241 of FIGS. 19-21. Atstep 331, processing the system 12 commences operation and one or moreimpact sensor panel baseline data is generated at specific timeintervals. Baseline data of impact sensor panel 149 may includeresistance values for sections of the impact sensor panel such as alldiscrete circuits (e.g., 155 and 157 in FIG. 8) on each impact sensorpanel. At step 333, resistance measurement system applies a voltage toelectrical contacts (e.g., 171) making up panel 149. At step 335, theresistant measurement system measures electrical resistance between allcontacts series (e.g., 171 and 173). At step 337, resistance dataproduced by the resistance measurement system is sent to a systemcontroller via a bus system (e.g., CAN bus 267 from FIG. 21).

At step 339 of FIG. 24, a determination is made of whether theresistance measurement data acquired at step 335 is different thanbaseline data acquired at step 331 or stored previously. If not, thenthe process returns to step 331. If there has been a change in baselinedata at step 339, then the process continues to step 341 where all pairsof contacts (e.g., 171 and 173), are identified where resistance datahas changed from the baseline data. At step 342, one of the resistancedata is selected from the resistance data stored at step 341.

At step 343, all resistance change data associated with each discretecircuit stored at step 341 is compared to a selective resistance dataassociated with one of the discrete circuit selected at step 342 and adetermination is made of whether the selected resistance data has thelargest resistance value change from the baseline data as compared toall resistance data stored at step 341. At step 345, if thedetermination at step 342 is the selected resistance data has thelargest resistance value change, then the selected resistance data isassociated with a center point identifier data at step 345 indicating acenter point or area of an impact event, processing then continues atstep 353. If the selected resistance data is found to not to have thehighest resistance change among the resistance data collected at step341, then processing continues at step 347.

With reference to step 347 of FIG. 24, all resistance change dataassociated with each discrete circuit stored at step 341 is compared toa selected resistance data associated with one of the discrete circuitsselected at step 342 and a determination is made of whether the selectedresistance data has the least resistance value change from the baselinedata as compared to all resistance data stored at step 341. At step 349,if the determination at step 342 is the selected resistance data has theleast resistance value change, then the selected resistance data isassociated with an edge of the impact area data at step 349 indicatingan edge point or area of an impact area event 13 in the impact sensorpanel 149 then processing continues at step 353. If the selectedresistance data is found to not have the least resistance change amongthe resistance data collected at step 341, then processing continues atstep 351. At step 351, the selected resistance data and associateddiscrete circuit is associated within an impact event edge area but nota center of impact area then processing continues at step 353. At step353, a calculation of position, size, angle of impact is determined fromdata from steps 345, 349, and 351 and processing continues at step 355.At step 355, a determination is made of whether any of the resistancedata associated with discrete circuits is determined and stored at step341 has not been selected at step 343 and subsequently processed insteps 347, 349, 351, 353. If yes, then processing continues from step355 at step 343. If no, then processing from step 355 terminates at step357.

FIG. 25 shows an alternative method of operation for an illustratedimpact detection and remediation system 10 such as, for example, thatused with the illustrative sensing device or panel 191 of FIG. 10 andthe data acquisition and processing system 241 of FIGS. 19-21. At step361, processing system 12 commences operation and one or more impactsensor panel baseline data is generated at specific time intervals.Impact sensor panel 191 baseline data may include resistance values forlayer of sensor panel 191. At step 363, a resistance measurement systemapplies voltage to electrical contact series 197 and 199 making up panel191. As detailed herein, panel 191 may be made up of a great resistantpanel. At step 365, the resistance measurement system measureselectrical resistance between electrical contact series 197, 199 and201, 203. At step 367, resistance data produced by the resistancemeasurement system is sent to a system controller via a bus system(e.g., CAN bus 267 from FIG. 21).

At step 369 of FIG. 25, a determination is made of whether theresistance measurement data acquired at step 365 is different thanbaseline data acquired at step 361 or stored previously. If not, thenthe process returns to step 361. If there is a change in the baselinedata determined at step 369, then the process continues to step 371where all pairs of contacts are identified where resistance data haschanged from the baseline data if the determination at step 369determines the resistance measurement data is different and resistancechange data is stored associated with an identifier associated with eachdiscrete circuit between the pairs of contacts. At step 373, processingcontinues by assigning a row and column coordinate point to each pair ofcontacts with a resistance change.

At step 375, the largest resistance change coordinate points to identifythe center of the impact. At step 377, the process creates a grid ofcoordinate points having changes of resistance. At step 379, the systemdetermines a gradient of resistance change coordinate points to identifyedges of impact. Next, at step 381, the system calculates a position andthe size of impact event 13.

FIG. 26 shows a further method of operation of an illustrative impactdetection and remediation system 10 such as, for example, that used inconnection with the illustrative sensing device or panel 211 of FIG. 11and the data acquisition and processing system 241 of FIGS. 19-21. Atstep 391, processing the system 12 commences operation and one or moreimpact sensor panel baseline data is generated at specific timeintervals. Impact sensor panel 211 baseline data may include resistancevalues for sections of the impact sensor panel 211 such as on layer 213.At step 393, a resistance measurement system applies a voltage toelectrical contacts 215 making up panel 211. As detailed herein, panel211 may be made up of a gradient resistant layer. At step 395, theresistant measurement system measures electrical resistance between allcontacts 215 and 217. At step 397, resistance data produced by theresistance measurement system is sent to a system controller via a bussystem (e.g., CAN bus 267 from FIG. 21).

At step 399 of FIG. 26, a determination is made of whether theresistance measurement data acquired at step 395 is different thanbaseline data acquired at step 391 or stored previously. At step 401 allpairs of contacts 215 and 217 are identified where resistance data haschanged from the baseline data if the determination step at 399determines a resistant measurement data is different and resistancechange data is stored associated with an identifier associated with eachdiscrete circuit between the pair of contacts 215 and 217. At step 402,one of the resistance data is selected from the resistance data storedat step 401.

At step 403, all resistance change data associated with each discretecircuit stored at step 401 is compared to a selected resistance dataassociated with one of the discrete circuits selected at step 402 and adetermination is made of whether the selected resistance data has thelargest resistance value change from the baseline data as compared toall resistance data stored at step 401. At step 405, if thedetermination at step 403 is the selected resistance data has thelargest resistance value change, then the selected resistance data isassociated with a center point identifier data at step 405 indicating acenter point or area of an impact event 13 then processing continues atstep 413. If the selected resistance data is found to not to have thehighest resistance change among the resistance data collected at step401, then processing continues at step 407.

With reference to step 407 of FIG. 23, all resistance change dataassociated with each discrete circuit stored at step 401 is compared toa selected resistance data associated with one of the discrete circuitsselected at step 402 and a determination is made of whether the selectedresistance data has the least resistance value change from the baselinedata as compared to all resistance data stored at step 401. At step 405,if the determination at step 402 is the selected resistance data has theleast resistance value change, then the selected resistance data isassociated with an edge of the impact area data at step 409 indicatingan edge point or area of an impact area event in the impact sensor panelthen processing continues at step 413. If the selected resistance datais found to not to have the least resistance change among the resistancedata collected at step 401, then processing continues at step 411. Atstep 411, the selected resistance data and associated discrete circuitis associated within an impact event edge area but not a center ofimpact area then processing continues at step 413. At step 413, acalculation of position, size, angle of impact is determined from datafrom steps 405, 409, and 411 then processing continues at step 415. Atstep 415, a determination is made of whether any of the resistance dataassociated with discrete circuits determined and stored at step 401 hasnot been selected at step 403 and subsequently processed in steps403-413. If yes, then processing continues from step 415 at step 402. Ifno, then processing from step 415 terminates at step 417.

An embodiment of a damage control system 16 of the present disclosuremay entail use of an impact sensor array 243 on a system ormicroelectronics device which is coupled to a controller. As is known,the controller may reconfigure the system or a microelectronics device.For example, a damage control system embodiment may include an impactevent sensor array 243, such as described herein, which couples with adamage control system. The damage control system is configured toreceive a damage event input from the impact sensor system with impactevent data such as, for example, coordinates and size of damage. Thedamage control system then may reassign functions in a damaged area of amicrocontroller or control system. For example, the microcontroller maybe a field programmable gate array (FPGA) which has the capacity to bereprogrammed after a damage event and still maintain functionality.

With reference to FIGS. 27 and 28, the illustrative impact detection andremediation system 10 may also be coupled with other event detectionsystems or devices. For example, an event detection device,illustratively an escalation of force (EOF) reduction system 421, mayinclude an embodiment of the impact detection and remediation system 10coupled with an acoustic detection system 423 which is configured todetect specific sound signatures, such as a rifle shot. Thisillustrative EOF reduction system 421 is of particular use in a chaoticenvironment where multiple sound signatures exist but only one or a fewof the sound signatures are significant. For example, illustrative EOFreduction system 421 may be used on a vehicle 425 forming part of aconvoy maneuvering through a crowded urban area that have civilians whoare not hostile to the convoy. A single person hiding in the crowd couldfire a shot into the vehicle 425 in the convoy, which then may result ina number of external weapons being discharged, thereby confusing anobserver or operator of the vehicle 425 as to the true source of theperson firing a shot into their vehicle 425. An embodiment of the EOFreduction system 421 with the impact sensor system 10 and acousticdetection system 423 may be used to orient a vehicle operator to thedirection (along origination axis 21 (FIG. 2)) where actual incomingfire is originating (origin 17 (FIG. 2)) and thereby reduce thepotential for friendly fire casualties.

While the following description describes the impact sensor system 10for use in connection with vehicle 425, as further detailed herein, thesystem 10 may find use in a variety of applications, including beingmounted to other structures of interest 16, such as electronic devices,aircraft, etc. Further, the illustrative vehicle 425 in the embodimentof FIGS. 27 and 28 may be of any conventional type, such as militaryvehicles, law enforcement vehicles, rescue trucks, communicationsvehicles, and construction equipment. Illustratively, vehicle 425 may bea high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV or Humvee) includingwheels 426 driven by an engine (not shown). An occupant compartment 428including ballistic resistant windows 430 and armor plates 432 (FIG.27).

In FIGS. 27 and 28, a plurality of sensing devices or panels 265 of thetype detailed above are positioned in different locations around thevehicle 425. Each sensing device 265 may be coupled to an external orouter surface of the vehicle 425 in one of the manners further detailedherein. The combination of sensing devices 265 define an impact sensingperimeter 435 about the vehicle 425. For example, first sensing device265 a is positioned on an external surface of a front passenger door,second sensing device 265 b is positioned on an outer surface of firstrear passenger door, third sensing device 265 c is positioned on anouter surface of a first rear quarter panel, fourth sensing device 265 dis positioned on an outer surface of a rear deck, fifth sensing device265 e is positioned on an outer surface of a second rear quarter panel,sixth sensing device 265 f is positioned on an outer surface of a secondrear passenger door, and seventh sensing device 265 g is positioned onan outer surface of a front driver door. It should be appreciated thatthe number and locations of sensing devices 265 may vary depending uponthe structure of interest, operational requirements, environmentalconditions, etc. Moreover, the plurality of sensing devices 265 may beconsolidated such that a substantially continuous sensing surfaceextends around the exterior of the vehicle 425. As further detailedherein, a main computer 261 or processing system may be coupled to thecontroller 263 which processes information sensed through the impactsensing devices 265 a-265 g.

The illustrative vehicle 425 includes a traversal portion,illustratively a rotatable turret 427 disposed around a center opening429 (FIG. 28). As is known, the turret 427 is configured for rotationabout a vertical rotational axis 431 extending through the opening 429.A protective structure 433 (FIG. 27) may be coupled to the turret 427.The protective structure 433 illustratively includes a plurality ofballistic windows coupled to a support structure for protecting anoccupant or operator 436 within the opening 429. A protective shield 434may be supported by the turret 427 in spaced relation to the protectivestructure 433. In the case of armed conflict, foreign internal defensiveoperations or riot control engagements, structure 433 may protect theoperator or gunner 436 who controls a targeting device, such as a weapon437, illustratively a machine gun or other device such as a watercannon, high intensity laser or other anti-personnel or non-lethalpersonnel weapon system. A seat 438 (FIG. 29) may be operably coupled tothe turret 427 to rotate concurrently therewith and to support theoperator 436 (FIG. 29).

The weapon 437 is operably coupled to a weapon mount 440 which, in turn,is operably coupled to the turret 427. A slewing mechanism 435 mayadjust the horizontal (traverse or azimuth) and vertical (elevational)orientation of the weapon 437. As is known, rotation of the weapon 437and about the vertical rotational axis 431 within a horizontal plane(i.e., traverse movement) may be controlled by operation of a turretactuator 444A (FIG. 29). The weapon mount 440 may also pivot the weapon437 about a horizontal axis 446 and within a vertical plane (i.e.,elevational movement). A weapon mount actuator 444B may be operablycoupled to the weapon mount 440 to pivot the weapon 437 about thehorizontal axis 446 (FIG. 29).

As is known, the slewing mechanism 435 may be operated remotely from theturret 427. Illustratively, the operator 436 may be positioned outsideof the turret 427, for example within the passenger compartment of thevehicle 425 or at a location remote from the vehicle 425. In otherillustrative embodiments, the slewing mechanism 435 may be automaticallycontrolled by system 10 for alignment of the weapon 437 with originationaxis 21, while discharge of the weapon 437 is controlled through atriggering device manipulated by operator 436 located outside of theturret 427.

With further reference to FIGS. 27 and 28, the illustrative acousticdetection system 423 may include an acoustic sensor or antenna 439configured to detect soundwaves generated by an event, illustrativelythe firing of a projectile. The antenna 439 illustratively includes aplurality of audio inputs or microphones 442 (illustratively at least 3)configured in a known manner. More particularly, the microphones 442 arespaced apart from one another to detect and record acoustic signals orsoundwaves, and time offsets of acoustic signals which arerepresentative of the muzzle noise of the firearm and/or the soundwaveemitted by a projectile. The detection system 423 is illustrativelyconfigured to process the signals and their time offsets in a manner fordetermining at least the direction in which the firearm of interest islocated. In certain illustrative embodiments, the acoustic detectionsystem 423 may comprise the Boomerang shooter detection system availablefrom Raytheon BBN Technologies of Cambridge, Mass.

As also shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, additional sensors may also be usedwith the impact sensing devices 265 and/or acoustic sensor 439. Forexample, an imaging system 448 including a plurality of videosurveillance sensors or cameras 441 a, 441 b, 441 c, 441 d may bepositioned proximate opposing corners of the vehicle 425. Similarly, 360degree video sensors or cameras 443 a and 443 b may be added to thevehicle 425. Cameras 441 and 443 may be adapted to detect weapon (e.g.,rifle) fire flashes. More particularly, the cameras 441 and 443 may beused to detect flash events which are cross checked against data fromthe impact sensing devices 265 and/or the acoustical sensor 439. The EOFreduction system 421 may then cross correlate the information from themultiple sensor systems 265, 439, 448 thereby increasing the probabilityof accurate identification of hostile fire being directed towards astructure of interest, in this case vehicle 425 in a convoy.

Cameras 441 may include full motion video with zoom capability that maybe moved or slewed to a point of origin of an impact event such as wherea hostile person is directing rifle fire to a convoy vehicle 425. Thesevideo cameras 441 with zoom capability may then be used to gatherspecific evidence associated with the use of hostile force by a gunmanin a crowded area by means of high definition video imagery which isoriented towards a point of origin 17 of an impact event 13. Anillustrative embodiment of the system 10 may also include conflictresolution software or programming which permits it to deal withmultiple impact events as well as providing instructions for focusing onhigher priority significant event signatures and thus have the system 10ignore inputs which are of lesser interest.

The user interface 50 may include a graphical user interface (GUI)providing information to a user to permit separate identification ofdifferent points of origin for different types of threats or impactevents such as a different color in the GUI for each separate point oforigin of an impact event, and a time delay which leaves an impact eventindicator on for a predetermined period of time or a range of a point oforigin area. A system may also be tied to a navigation system whichsuggests a route of egress from an area where impact events areoccurring given terrain or obstacles which are in a particular area. Forexample, the system may have a map therewith (e.g., GOOGLE® maps)wherein the system 10 may overlay the map onto a video display of theimpact events.

Characterization of impact event objects may be made based on multiplesensor systems. For example, a combination of an impact event sensor265, acoustic sensor system 439, and a video imager system 448 may beused to correlate a source of an impact event based on a look up tablehaving signature data associated with specific impact event originatingdevices or systems such as a particular type of rifle or projectilesystem.

Also, the multiple sensor variant may receive inputs from portableillumination beacons, or smart beacons 446, which are programmed to emitwireless coded signals which imaging system 448 including imager/360degree camera 443 may detect (FIG. 27). These smart beacons 446 may beplaced onto individual equipment, persons, or locations where friendlyforces or equipment is located. The smart beacons 446 are illustrativelycapable of receiving a pulse of light in one or more frequencies andthen trigger a burst signal which is not detectable by means such ashumans viewing the system through night vision goggles, etc. The system10 may interrogate the smart beacons 446 multiple times in order toensure relative bearing and distance may be determined based on Dopplereffect and changes in bearing. The smart beacons 446 may be crossreferenced with other systems such as the GCCS 72.

Each smart beacon 446 may be programmed/provided with a verificationsystem which permits verification that the user/wearer is in fact afriendly force. Such a verification system may include voice recognitionfor a single matched user, a proximity sensor for detecting an RFIDsystem embedded into a larger system which has identity verificationsystems, or a coded input mechanism which a user may occasionally beprompted to input a verification code which then will unlock the smartbeacon's verification capability.

Each smart beacon 446 is illustratively programmable and requires a userto input a new code to continue its operation past a certain amount oftime, such as 24 hours. The smart beacon 446 may also have ananti-tamper design which would prevent directly reading the smartbeacon's coded information. Also, the smart beacon 446 may have aself-wipe function which could be triggered by a user before the beacon446 could fall into undesired hands. The self wipe function could alsobe triggered by a failure to reset the system in a certain number ofhours such as 24 hours or after a substantial impact which causes damageto the smart beacon beyond a prescribed point.

Illustrative user interfaces 50 may include display devices operablycoupled to the turret 427. In addition to visual indicators such asdisplay devices, the user interface 50 may provide other sensoryindicators to the operator 436. For example, an audible damage eventwarning may be provided to the operator 436 upon the detection of adamage event. The audible damage event warning may also provide detailson the location of the damage event and/or an orientation of the damageevent on the vehicle 425.

With reference now to FIGS. 29-32, the display devices may include aplurality of visual indicators arranged in a plurality of verticallyspaced annular bands. Each annular band illustratively includes aplurality the circumferentially spaced light sources 445, each lightsource 445 being oriented radially inwardly from an inner arcuatesurface of the turret 427. The light sources 445 may comprise lightemitting diodes (LEDs), illustratively multi-color LEDs.

Activation of the light sources 445 is based upon input from the system12 on the determined origin of the ballistic impact. More particularly,the system 12 may activate the light sources (identified by referencenumbers 445 a) based upon the relative position of the turret 427 inorder to ensure that the light sources 445 a are oriented along axis 21toward the origin 17 of the projectiles/impact objects 19 (FIG. 2).Thus, when the turret 427 rotates, the active light sources 445 a alsomove to maintain the relative bearing to the calculated point of origin17 for the projectiles/impact objects 19. Such capability may befacilitated by operably coupling the user interface 50 into a positionidentifier system, such as a global positioning system (GPS), globalcommand and control system (GCCS) 72, inertial navigation system, etc.

The active light sources 445 a may change color, light intensity, and/orflash to assist the operator in identifying proper orientation of theturret 427. For example, the light sources 445 a may change from red, toyellow, to green as the turret 427 is rotated into proper positioningwith axis 21 of impact origin 17. Alternatively, the light sources 445 amay change light intensity as the turret 427 is rotated into alignmentwith axis 21, or may flash at different rates as the turret 427 isrotated into alignment with axis 21.

The system 12 may also activate the light sources 445A based upon therelative elevation of the weapon 437 in order to ensure that the lightsources 445 a are oriented on the source of the projectiles/impactobjects. Thus, when the weapon 437 is pivoted about axis, the activelight sources 445 a also move to maintain the relative bearing to thecalculated point of origin 17 for the projectiles/impact objects 19(FIG. 2).

In one illustrative embodiment, different vertically spaced bands oflight sources 445 a may be illuminated to indicate desired weaponelevation along axis 21. Alternatively, the color of the light sourcesmay change based upon desired weapon elevation. The intensity orflashing rates of the light sources 445 a may also change as the weapon437 is pivoted into alignment with origination axis 21. In a similarmanner, different circumferentially or horizontally spaced columns oflight sources 445 a may be illuminated to indicate desired traverse orhorizontal position of weapon about vertical axis 431.

User inputs, such as right and left control grips 447 a and 447 b may bemanipulated by the hands of an operator to move the weapon 437. Thecontrol grips 447 a and 447 b may each include input buttons to controltraverse and elevation of the weapon 437 by controlling actuators 444 aand 444 b, as further detailed herein. Control grips 447 a and 447 b mayalso include conventional triggers to permit the operator 434 to firethe weapon 437. In certain illustrative embodiments, the control grips447 a and 447 b may provide a tactile damage event warning which is sentto the operator 436. Such tactile event warning may provide anindication of a damage event alone or together with an orientation ofthe damage event on the vehicle 425. For example, the control grips 447a and 447 b may vibrate or shake to alert the operator 436 of a damageevent. Subsequent vibrating or shaking of the right control grip 447 awill provide an indication to the operator 436 to move the weapon 437 tothe right, while subsequent vibration or shaking of the left controlgrip 447 b will provide an indication to the operator 436 to move theweapon 437 to the left.

A dashboard 449 may be supported by the weapon mount 440 and ispositioned in front of the seat 438 for supporting the control grips 447a and 447 b. The dashboard 449 is operably coupled to the turret 427 andis configured to rotate therewith. A heads-up display 451 may extendabove the dashboard 449 and includes a transparent panel 452 having asurface upon which information is projected for view by the operator434.

With reference to FIGS. 31 and 32, different images 459, 461, 463, 465,467 may be projected on the display 451. For example, images 459 and 463may indicate to the operator 434 to change the elevation of the weapon437 based upon the detected impact for alignment with origination axis21. More particularly, images 459 a and 463 a indicate that the weapon437 should be raised, while images 459 b and 463 b indicate that theweapon should be lowered. Similarly, images 461 and 465 may indicate tothe operator 434 to traverse (move the rotational position of) theweapon 437 based upon the detected impact for alignment with originationaxis 21. More particularly, images 461 a and 465 a indicate that theweapon should be rotated to the right, while arrows 461 b and 465 bindicate that the weapon should be rotated to the left. Information,such as video and/or text instructions may be projected within displaywindow 467.

In certain illustrative embodiments, display 453 is operably coupled tothe human machine interface (HMI) 269, while display 455 is operablycoupled to the global command and control system (GCCS) 72. Displays 453and 455 may provide graphical information and/or receive input from theoperator.

A further illustrative embodiment is shown in FIGS. 33-35B as includingturret 427 with the seat 438 removed for clarity. Circumferentiallyspaced right and left indicator uprights or columns 471 a and 471 b,respectively, are supported on opposite sides of turret opening 472receiving weapon 437. Each indicator upright 471 a and 471 b includes aplurality of display devices arranged in a plurality of laterally spacedcolumns. More particularly, each upright 471 a and 471 b illustrativelyincludes a plurality the vertically spaced light sources 473. The lightsources 473 may comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs), illustrativelymulti-color LEDs.

Activation of the light sources 473 is based upon input from the system12 on the determined origin of the ballistic impact. More particularly,the system 12 activates the light sources (identified by referencenumbers 473 a) based upon the relative position of the weapon 437 inorder to ensure that the light sources 473 a are oriented on the sourceof the projectiles/impact objects. Thus, when the elevation of theweapon 437 changes, the active light sources 473 a also move to maintainthe relative bearing to the calculated point of origin 17 for theprojectiles/impact objects 19 (FIG. 2).

Rotational orientation of the turret 427 may be indicated by changingintensity, color, or flash patterns of light sources 473 a. For example,green may indicate the proper direction in which to turn, while redmeans no adjustment is required. Alternatively, light intensity orflashing patterns of light sources 473 a may indicate the properdirection in which to turn. Alternatively, additional displays may beused in combination with light sources 473 on uprights 471 to facilitateproper orientation of turret 427.

User inputs, such as control grips 447 may be manipulated by the handsof an operator to rotate turret 427, and thus the weapon 437. Controlgrips 447 may also include conventional triggers to permit the operatorto fire the weapon 437.

FIG. 34A shows a situation when the origin 17 of impact object isdetermined to be above the target alignment of the weapon 437. As such,the light sources 473 a on an upper end of the indicator uprights 471are activated. As the weapon 437 is raised, the active light sources 473a lower toward the middle of the uprights 471. At the proper targetelevation (i.e., when the weapon 437 is aligned with origination axis21), the light sources may change intensity, color, or flash to providea clear indication to the operator that the proper target has beenacquired.

FIG. 34B shows a situation when the origin 17 of impact object isdetermined to be below the target alignment of the weapon 437. As such,the light sources 473 a on a lower end of the indicator uprights 471 areactivated. As the weapon 437 is lowered, the active light sources 473 araise toward the middle of the uprights 471. At the proper targetelevation (i.e., when the weapon 437 is aligned with origination axis21), the light sources 473 a may change intensity, color, or flash toprovide a clear indication to the operator that the proper target hasbeen acquired.

In certain illustrative embodiments, the computer 40 may include a timerconfigured to run upon detection of an impact event. The timer may causethe user interface 50 to reduce the impact event LED indicators 445, 473to zero brightness following a predetermined time after a particularimpact event. A user may engage an interface control to displayhistorical impact information either on the LED indicators 445, 447 oron a video display. The video display history may be a video type replayshowing a recreation of the impact events from a specific point in timeto another point in time. For example, the video display may show anoverhead image of a vehicle which is taking fire and the impact sensoris detecting fire. This vehicle display may be rotatable to show pointsof estimated origin relative to the vehicle and probable point oforigin.

If the system 10 includes a video imaging system 448, having either fullmotion video and/or 360 degree cameras, then impact geometry and vectorinformation may be overlaid over the video system based on plotting ofcoordinates and matching those coordinated to grid coordinate systemsassociated with the video camera and vehicle 425. A gun camera may alsobe added to a user's weapon system which may capture images of where aweapon 437 is being oriented. The gun camera may be utilized with thesystem for providing confirmatory information on impact event point oforigin 17 information.

As further detailed herein, a feature of the user interface 50 may be asystem which indicates elevation for an impact event point of origin 17.For example, LEDs may be run vertically along a weapon mount whichflashes horizontal lines for where probable elevation of an impact eventorigin 17 is assessed. The weapon 437 may then be manually orautomatically controlled to bring it into alignment with the axis oforigin 21.

Further illustrative embodiments, exemplary damage detection andremediation system 10 may be coupled with a firing mechanism for aweapon 437 and a command and control system which has a positiontracking feature, a status update feature, and is internetworked withother security force units, both fixed and mobile, such as the GlobalCommand and Control System (GCCS) 72. When the firing mechanism isactivated at the same time an impact event with matching characteristicsof an attack occur then the exemplary embodiment of the damage detectionand remediation system 10 may automatically post an update to the GCCS72 that an attack is occurring in a specific location as well as clipsfrom video systems, mounted with the weapon system, of the points oforigin 17 of the attack. A panic button may be added to user interface50 which may be used to confirm an attack which may then be posted tothe GCCS 72 as a confirmation of attack in progress.

Another embodiment may include a damage detection and remediation system10 which detects a pattern of attack damage or impact event whichcorresponds to an improvised explosive device (IED) attack which maythen trigger an automatic request for assistance, with a location from alocation tracking system such as the GCCS 72, and a request for medicalevacuation absent an override command being input by a user.

In yet other illustrative embodiments of damage detection andremediation system 10, upon detecting damage events 13 in certainlocations of the vehicle 425, onboard computers may run diagnostic testsof various vehicle systems. For example, if the system 10 detects that adamage event 13 has occurred in the engine compartment of the vehicle425, then the onboard computer may run a diagnostic test of thevehicle's engine. Upon completion of the diagnostic test, the computermay transmit information regarding vehicle status to a fleet managementcomputer at a vehicle maintenance facility. The fleet managementcomputer may thereby keep track of damage sustain by various vehiclesand schedule maintenance, as required.

Although the disclosure has been described in detail with reference tocertain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist withinthe spirit and scope of the disclosure as described and defined in thefollowing claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A vehicle damage detection systemcomprising: a plurality of sensing devices supported by a vehicle anddefining a sensing perimeter, each of the sensing devices including alayer, and a plurality of measuring portions supported by the layer,each of the measuring portions including an input coupling point and anoutput coupling point and adapted to conduct an electrical signal fromthe input coupling point to the output coupling point; a measurementsystem in electrical communication with the measuring portions of eachof the sensing devices, the measurement system configured to provideelectrical signal inputs to the input coupling points of each of thesensing devices, and configured to measure electrical signal outputs atthe output coupling points of each of the sensing devices; a pluralityof couplers securing the plurality of sensing devices to an exterior ofthe vehicle; and a damage detection processing system operably coupledto the measurement system, the processing system configured to determinedata on a damage event from the sensing devices based on changes betweenthe electrical signal inputs at the input coupling points and theelectrical signal outputs at the output coupling points, the dataincluding a location of the damage event on the sensing device and adamage event origination axis approximately oriented upon point oforigin of an object associated with said damage event; wherein saiddamage event is determined based on a comparison of said changes betweenthe electrical signal inputs at the input coupling points and theelectrical signal outputs at the output coupling points; wherein saidcomparison and said determining said changes between the electricalsignal inputs at the input coupling points and the electrical signaloutputs at the output coupling points is based in part on using abaseline measurement data determination producing a baseline state dataof said layer created based on taking a plurality of electromagneticsignal measurements of said layer for pairs of said input couplingpoints and opposing corresponding said output coupling points before atleast one said damage event.
 2. The vehicle damage detection system ofclaim 1, further comprising a user interface operably coupled to thedamage detection processing system and configured to provide a visualdisplay of the damage data including a representation of a damage alert,the damage event location and the damage event origination axis.
 3. Thevehicle damage detection system of claim 2, wherein the visual displayincludes a plurality of light sources selectively illuminated inalignment with the damage event origination axis.
 4. The vehicle damagedetection system of claim 1, further comprising an actuator operablycoupled to a weapon supported by the vehicle, the actuator incommunication with the damage detection processing system and configuredto move the weapon in the direction of the damage event origination axisin response to the data from the damage detection processing system. 5.The vehicle damage detection system of claim 4, wherein the actuatorincludes a first actuator to rotate a turret about a vertical axis, anda second actuator to pivot a weapon mount about a horizontal axis. 6.The vehicle damage detection system of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofsensing devices includes a first sensing device positioned on anexternal surface of a front passenger door, a second sensing devicepositioned on an external surface of a first rear passenger door, athird sensing device positioned on an external surface of a first rearquarter panel, a fourth sensing device positioned on an external surfaceof a rear deck, a fifth sensing device positioned on an external surfaceof a second rear quarter panel, a sixth sensing device positioned on anexternal surface of a second rear passenger door, and a seventh sensingdevice positioned on an external surface of a front driver door.
 7. Thevehicle damage detection system of claim 1, further comprising anacoustic sensor supported by the vehicle and in communication with thedamage detection processing system, the acoustic sensor being configuredto detect soundwaves generated by the firing of a projectile.
 8. Thevehicle damage detection system of claim 1, further comprising at leastone camera supported by the vehicle and in communication with the damagedetection processing system, the at least one camera being configured todetect weapon fire flash events which correlated by the processingsystem with the data from the damage sensing devices.
 9. The vehicledamage detection system of claim 1, wherein each of the couplerscomprise at least one of a hook and loop fastener, a latch, a bolt, andan adhesive.
 10. The vehicle damage detection system of claim 1, whereinsaid data on a damage event further comprises one or more additionallocations of the damage event in said sensing device based on saidmeasurement system.
 11. The vehicle damage detection system of claim 10,wherein said damage event orientation axis is determined by said damageevent processing system at least in part based on spatial relationshipsof said locations of said damage events.
 12. A vehicle damage detectionsystem comprising: a first sensing device including a first layeroperably coupled to a vehicle for sensing damage events, the first layerincluding a plurality of measuring portions, each of the measuringportions adapted to conduct an electrical signal from an input couplingpoint to an output coupling point; a first measurement system inelectrical communication with the first sensing device, the firstmeasurement system including a multiplexer configured to provideelectrical signal inputs to the input coupling points of the firstsensing device, and configured to measure electrical signal outputs atthe output coupling points of the first sensing device; a second sensingdevice positioned in spaced relation to the first sensing device, thesecond sensing device including a second layer operably coupled to thevehicle for sensing damage events, the second layer including aplurality of measuring portions, each of the measuring portions adaptedto conduct an electrical signal from an input coupling point to anoutput coupling point; a second measurement system in electricalcommunication with the second sensing device, the second measurementsystem including a multiplexer configured to provide electrical signalinputs to the input coupling points of the second sensing device, andconfigured to measure electrical signal outputs at the output couplingpoints of the second sensing device; at least one damage detectionprocessing system operably coupled to the first measurement system andthe second measurement system, the at least one damage detectionprocessing system configured to determine data on a damage event fromsensed damage events based on changes between the electrical signalinputs at the input coupling points and the electrical signal outputs atthe output coupling points of the first sensing device and the secondsensing device, the data including a location of the damage event on therespective first sensing device and second sensing device, and a damageevent origination axis directed to the point of origin of the damageevent; an electrical connector operably coupling the first sensingdevice with the second sensing device; a main controller operablycoupled to the first sensing device and the second sensing device; and auser interface operably coupled to the damage detection processingsystems of the first and second sensing devices; wherein saiddetermining said data on said damage event from said sensed damageevents based on said changes between the electrical signal inputs at theinput coupling points and the electrical signal outputs at the outputcoupling points is based in part on a comparison using a baselineelectromagnetic signal layer measurement data determination producing afirst and second baseline state data of said first and second layerscreated based on taking a respective first and second plurality ofelectromagnetic signal measurements of said first and second layersacross respective pairs of said input coupling points and opposingcorresponding said output coupling points before at least one saiddamage event.
 13. The vehicle damage detection system of claim 12,wherein the user interface is configured to provide a visual display ofthe damage data including a representation of a damage alert, the damageevent location and the damage event origination axis.
 14. The vehicledamage detection system of claim 13, wherein the visual display includesa plurality of light sources selectively illuminated in alignment withthe damage event origination axis.
 15. The vehicle damage detectionsystem of claim 12, wherein: the first sensing device further includes asecond layer positioned in parallel spaced relation to the first layerand including a plurality of measuring portions adapted to conduct anelectrical signal from an input coupling point to an output couplingpoint, the measuring portions of the first layer of the first sensingdevice being oriented in a first direction and the measuring portions ofthe second layer of the first sensing device being oriented in a seconddirection different from the first direction, wherein the processingsystem determines the location of the damage event along a first axisbased upon measurement data comprising said first plurality ofelectromagnetic signal measurements from the first layer, and determinesthe location of the damage event along a second axis based uponmeasurement data comprising said second plurality of electromagneticsignal measurements from the second layer; and the second sensing devicefurther includes a second layer positioned in parallel spaced relationto the first layer and including a plurality of measuring portionsadapted to conduct an electrical signal from an input coupling point toan output coupling point, the measuring portions of the first layer ofthe second sensing device being oriented in a first direction and themeasuring portions of the second layer of the second sensing devicebeing oriented in a second direction different from the first direction,wherein the processing system determines the location of the damageevent along a first axis based upon measurement data from the firstlayer, and determines the location of the damage event along a secondaxis based upon measurement data from the second layer.
 16. The vehicledamage detection system of claim 12, further comprising an actuatoroperably coupled to a weapon supported by the vehicle, the actuatoroperably coupled to the damage detection processing system andconfigured to move the weapon in the direction of the damage eventorigination axis in response to the data from the damage detectionprocessing system.
 17. The vehicle damage detection system of claim 16,wherein the actuator includes a first actuator to rotate a turret abouta vertical axis, and a second actuator to pivot a weapon mount about ahorizontal axis.
 18. The vehicle damage detection system of claim 12,wherein: the first sensing device is positioned on one of an externalsurface of a front passenger door, an external surface of a first rearpassenger door, an external surface of a first rear quarter panel, anexternal surface of a rear deck, an external surface of a second rearquarter panel, an external surface of a second rear passenger door, andan external surface of a front driver door; and the second sensingdevice is positioned on a different one of an external surface of afront passenger door, an external surface of a first rear passengerdoor, an external surface of a first rear quarter panel, an externalsurface of a rear deck, an external surface of a second rear quarterpanel, an external surface of a second rear passenger door, and anexternal surface of a front driver door.
 19. The vehicle damagedetection system of claim 12, further comprising an acoustic sensorsupported by the vehicle and in communication with the damage detectionprocessing system, the acoustic sensor configured to detect soundwavesgenerated by the firing of a projectile.
 20. The vehicle damagedetection system of claim 12, further comprising at least one camerasupported by the vehicle and in communication with the damage detectionprocessing system, the at least one camera configured to detect weaponfire flash events which are cross-checked by the processing system withthe data from the first and second sensing devices.
 21. The vehicledamage detection system of claim 12, further comprising a couplersecuring the first sensing device to an external surface of the vehicle,the coupler comprising at least one of a hook and loop fastener, alatch, a bolt, and an adhesive.